Austrian prosecutors have charged a 21-year-old man with terrorism over an alleged plot to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna—a threat that led to the cancellation of the US superstar’s 2024 performances in Austria.
Swift was scheduled to perform three shows as part of her Eras tour in the summer of 2024, but the concerts were canceled following warnings from authorities about the potential for an attack.
The main suspect, an Austrian national, has been in custody since his arrest in August 2024 and now faces terrorism and related charges, according to prosecutors. They allege that, starting in May 2023, he joined a terrorist organization and began planning an attack on Swift’s concert.
Prosecutors say he distributed Islamic State (IS) propaganda via messaging apps and aligned himself publicly with IS. He is accused of attempting to procure weapons and build a shrapnel bomb based on IS instructions, receiving guidance from other IS members about handling explosives.
Authorities also allege that he was involved in the planning of other attacks abroad, including in Dubai and Istanbul, though none were carried out.
If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
In a related case, a Berlin court last year convicted a Syrian teenager of assisting in the Vienna plot. The 16-year-old received an 18-month suspended sentence.
US intelligence reportedly played a major role in foiling the plot. After the cancellations, Swift wrote on social media that she was filled with fear and guilt, knowing how many fans had planned to attend the shows.
