Teen ISIS Plotter Gets 15 Years for Taylor Swift Concert Attack

The state court in Wiener Neustadt, located south of the Austrian capital, found 21-year-old defendant Beran A., whose full name remains undisclosed under Austrian privacy rules, guilty on multiple terrorism-related charges on Thursday, according to New York Post.

Though the attack was successfully prevented by authorities, all three of Swift’s scheduled performances in August 2024 were ultimately canceled. The cancellations disappointed tens of thousands of fans who had made the journey to Austria for the American superstar’s record-breaking Eras Tour.

Defendant Apologizes Before Sentencing

Through his defense counsel, Beran A. had previously admitted to charges related to the concert plot during the trial’s opening proceedings last month. Before the court retired to deliberate on Thursday, the defendant offered brief final remarks, stating only that he wished to apologize for his actions.

Authorities allege Beran A. intended to use knives and homemade explosives to target crowds outside the Ernst Happel Stadium. After the cancellations were announced, devastated fans gathered in central Vienna to exchange friendship bracelets and console one another.

Islamic State Connections and Bomb Materials

Prosecutors revealed that Beran A. had established connections with members of the Islamic State group prior to the planned assault. Evidence showed discussions about weapons purchases and bomb construction, as well as attempts to illegally acquire firearms in the days leading up to the performances. Investigators also determined he had pledged allegiance to the militant organization.

When authorities raided his apartment on August 7, 2024—just one day before the concerts were scheduled to begin—they discovered materials for bomb-making.

Broader Terror Network Spanning Multiple Countries

Beran A. stood trial alongside Arda K., another 21-year-old Austrian citizen, with both connected to a wider terror conspiracy. Along with a third individual, Hasan E., who remains in pretrial detention in Saudi Arabia, the group allegedly planned coordinated attacks in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates during Ramadan 2024, all in the name of the Islamic State.

Only Beran A. faced charges specific to the Vienna concert plot. Both defendants were convicted on charges including traveling and training for terrorist purposes, membership in a terrorist organization, and contributing to attempted murder. The latter charge stems from Hasan E.’s alleged stabbing of a security officer in Mecca in March 2024, during which he also wounded three additional officers and a woman before his arrest, the Austria Press Agency reported.

While Beran A. and Arda K. did not carry through with their alleged plans in the UAE and Turkey, Beran A. returned to Vienna where he subsequently began planning the Taylor Swift concert attack.

Both defendants listened impassively as the verdict and sentences were read, according to APA. Beran A.’s attorney, Anna Mair, indicated following the verdict that she would consult with her client in coming days about whether to appeal.

With information from New York Post