An Austrian man pleaded guilty to plotting an ISIS-linked terror attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna that was thwarted by authorities nearly two years ago. The trial of Beran A., a 21-year-old Austrian citizen, began this week in Wiener Neustadt, where he faces charges including terrorist offenses and membership in a terrorist organization.
Key Takeaways
A 21-year-old Austrian man pleaded guilty to planning an ISIS-linked terror attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna, which was thwarted by authorities in August 2024. The trial is ongoing in Wiener Neustadt.
- Beran A., the defendant, faces up to 20 years in prison for terrorist offenses and membership in a terrorist organization
- He allegedly planned to use knives or homemade explosives at Ernst Happel Stadium, targeting thousands of concertgoers
- Authorities found bomb-making materials during a search of his apartment on August 7, 2024
- Beran A. is also accused of planning attacks in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates with two other men
According to multiple reports, Beran A. allegedly planned to target onlookers gathered outside Ernst Happel Stadium with knives or homemade explosives. Authorities said the suspect hoped to "kill as many people as possible," with up to 30,000 concertgoers expected outside and another 65,000 inside the venue each night. The U.S. provided intelligence that led to his arrest.
Beran A.'s defense attorney, Anna Mair, told The Associated Press that her client plans to plead guilty to most of the charges but did not specify which ones. Only Beran A. is charged in connection with the Taylor Swift plot. He allegedly networked with other ISIS members ahead of the planned attack and swore allegiance to the militant group.
Authorities searched his apartment on Aug. 7, 2024, and found bomb-making materials. The concerts were scheduled to begin the next day. Beran A. is also accused of planning attacks in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates with two other men. The trial is expected to continue until late May.
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