An Austrian national Beran A. a 21 year old, has sentenced by An Austrian court to 15 years in prison for planning a jihadist attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna during the US singer’s Eras tour in August 2024.
The ruling, made on Thursday, May 29, 2026 found him guilty, with other accusations of terrorism-related offenses. Authorities revealed Beran A. had radicalized online and planned the attack targeting Swift’s concert, which was expected to draw tens of thousands of fans.
He was arrested before the first sold-out was due to take place in Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium during a high intelligence operation that intercepted communications and uncovered preparations for the assault.
Prosecutors say Beran A. became radicalized and tried to buy weapons illegally, including a machine gun and a hand grenade which he had planned to assassinate Swift and the crowd. Security experts note that such events can become symbolic targets for extremists that need heightened security measures at international music and stadium tours.
Beran A. told the court he was sorry before the jury retired, arguing his intent had been clear and dangerous. Swift said it had filled her with a new sense of fear and the cancellations left her with a tremendous amount of guilt.
Taylor Swift stated on her Instagram “I was so grateful; to the authorities because, thanks to them, we were grieving concerts and not lives.”
