Vienna (Austria), 28 April (LaPresse) – The man accused of planning an attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna has pleaded guilty at the start of his trial in Austria. Local media report that the defendant has admitted his involvement in the planned attack. The plot, dating back to 2024, had been foiled by the authorities, but had nevertheless led to the cancellation of three of the singer’s concerts scheduled for August of that year in the Austrian capital. The defendant, a 21-year-old Austrian national identified as Beran A., is charged with terrorism-related offences and membership of a terrorist organisation. He faces up to 20 years in prison. According to the defence, the man intends to admit to most of the charges. According to investigators, Beran A. allegedly planned to target spectators gathered outside the Ernst Happel Stadium, where up to 30,000 people were expected each evening, in addition to the approximately 65,000 inside, using knives or homemade explosives, with the aim of causing as many casualties as possible. The authorities reported that the man had pledged allegiance to ISIS and sought contact with other members of the group, discussing the purchase of weapons and the manufacture of explosives. During a search of his home in August 2024, materials for making bombs were found. Intelligence provided by the United States was decisive in the decision to cancel the events. The case has also attracted significant attention due to the context: the concerts were part of the Eras Tour, which had drawn fans from all over the world to Vienna. The trial will continue on 12 May.
Austria: attempted attack at Taylor Swift concert; defendant pleads guilty
Vienna (Austria), 28 April (LaPresse) – The man accused of planning an attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna has pleaded guilty at the start of his trial in Austria. Local media report that the defendant has admitted his involvement in the planned attack. The plot, dating back to 2024, had been foiled by the authorities, but had nevertheless led to the cancellation of three of the singer’s concerts scheduled for August of that year in the Austrian capital. The defendant, a 21-year-old Austrian national identified as Beran A., is charged with terrorism-related offences and membership of a terrorist organisation. He faces up to 20 years in prison. According to the defence, the man intends to admit to most of the charges. According to investigators, Beran A. allegedly planned to target spectators gathered outside the Ernst Happel Stadium, where up to 30,000 people were expected each evening, in addition to the approximately 65,000 inside, using knives or homemade explosives, with the aim of causing as many casualties as possible. The authorities reported that the man had pledged allegiance to ISIS and sought contact with other members of the group, discussing the purchase of weapons and the manufacture of explosives. During a search of his home in August 2024, materials for making bombs were found. Intelligence provided by the United States was decisive in the decision to cancel the events. The case has also attracted significant attention due to the context: the concerts were part of the Eras Tour, which had drawn fans from all over the world to Vienna. The trial will continue on 12 May.
