An Austrian man has been charged with terrorism over a foiled plan to attack a Taylor Swift concert in August 2024.
The 21-year-old, identified as Beran A, was arrested ahead of the singer’s three sold-out shows at Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium, which drew an estimated 195,000 fans.
According to BBC, authorities said he belonged to a terrorist organisation, attempted to buy guns illegally, created dangerous bombs, and spread propaganda for the Islamic State (IS).
If convicted, Beran A faces up to 20 years in prison.
He was the main suspect; others arrested in 2024 included a 16-year-old Syrian, Mohamed A, who was sentenced in 2025 to 18 months’ probation under juvenile law.
Beran A was indicted on Monday, February 16, for taking online instructions via the dark web to build a shrapnel bomb using triacetone triperoxide (TATP).
Prosecutors said the device was “specific to IS attacks.”
Officials added that the suspect received guidance on how to carry out the bombing and that the plan aimed to harm large numbers of people.
Following the concert’s cancellation, Swift called the situation “devastating” on social media.
“But I was also so grateful to the authorities because thanks to them, we were grieving concerts and not lives,” she said.