Austrian Man Faces Terror Charges Over Taylor Swift Concert Attack Plot

Published: 17 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

An Austrian man has been charged with terrorism-related offences over an alleged plot to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna, authorities confirmed on Monday. Prosecutors say the 21‑year‑old suspect planned a bomb attack targeting one of the singer’s sold‑out Eras Tour shows in August 2024, a plot that ultimately led to the cancellation of three concerts in Austria.

Vienna public prosecutors filed the charges after the suspect — identified by Austrian media as Beran A. — was arrested in August 2024 ahead of the planned performances at the Ernst Happel Stadium. Officials allege he declared allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) militant group, shared extremist propaganda online and attempted to build a shrapnel bomb using the explosive substance triacetone triperoxide (TATP), commonly associated with IS attack methods.

According to the indictment, the suspect not only conducted explosive research online but also made “several attempts” to acquire weapons illegally from abroad, actions that heightened concerns among counterterrorism officials. Prosecutors said plans were sufficiently advanced that public safety would have been at significant risk had the plot not been uncovered.

The plot was reportedly foiled following a tip‑off from foreign intelligence sources, including information shared by the United States, which helped Austrian authorities act before any harm occurred. Swift’s Vienna dates, scheduled for August 8–10, 2024, were cancelled shortly after arrests were made amid concerns over the threat to tens of thousands of concert‑goers expected at the venue.

The terrorism charges include participation in a terrorist organisation, propaganda offences and explosives‑related counts. If convicted, the suspect could face up to 20 years in prison, reflecting the severity of the potential attack. His legal team has previously denied the accusations, though no immediate comment was available this week.

In addition to the main suspect in Austria, authorities in Europe have pursued related cases linked to the same thwarted plot. In 2025, a 16‑year‑old Syrian national was convicted in Germany for supporting the planned attack and received a suspended sentence under juvenile law.

The high‑profile case has underscored continued concerns about the reach of extremist ideologies online and the threat they pose to public events. Security measures at large concert venues across Europe have since been reviewed and strengthened as a result.

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