A 16-year-old German accomplice, who shared bomb-making instructions and facilitated contact with Islamic State (IS) members, has received a suspended 18-month prison sentence for his role in a foiled terrorist plot targeting Taylor Swift’s Vienna concert series.
The teen, who confessed during a closed trial to protect his privacy, avoided jail time due to his age and cooperation with authorities in the investigation that prevented what could have been a mass-casualty attack.
The plot, masterminded by 17-year-old Beran A., targeted three Taylor Swift concerts scheduled for August 8-10, 2024, at Vienna’s Ernst-Happel Stadium where approximately 195,000-200,000 fans were expected to attend.
Austrian intelligence officials revealed that Beran A. had secured employment at the venue, providing him insider access, and had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State leader before planning his attack.
According to investigators, the suspects intended to use deception tactics, including driving a VW Beetle equipped with emergency lights to bypass security perimeters.
The plot hinged on creative deception—using a VW Beetle with emergency lights to infiltrate secure areas undetected.
The attack plan involved using knives or explosives, with additional contingencies to kill police officers for their firearms. During subsequent searches, authorities discovered bomb-making materials, strengthening the case against the suspects.
The Austrian Directorate for State Security and Intelligence (DSN), working with international partners, arrested the suspects just days before the first concert was scheduled.
“The timing was critical,” authorities stated, explaining that the proximity to the event date left no alternative but to cancel all three performances.
Barracuda Music, the event organizer, promptly announced the cancellation of all Vienna shows—marking Swift’s first concert cancellation since 2014—and processed refunds for all ticket holders within ten days.
The cancellation resulted in significant royalty losses for Swift and her team, as performance rights organizations typically collect payments for public performances of copyrighted music at large concert venues.
Despite the disappointment, fans gathered near the venue to sing Swift’s songs in solidarity.
The Austrian Chancellor publicly praised emergency services and Taylor Swift’s management team for their responsible actions in prioritizing public safety over commercial interests.
Legal proceedings against the main suspect, Beran A., and other accomplices continue as they face terrorism and violence-related charges.
Investigations revealed Beran A. had previously planned an attack in Dubai but abandoned it due to fear of police response, showing a pattern of targeting high-profile events.
Mohammed A., a 17-year-old Syrian national involved in the plot, was previously indicted for supporting a terrorist organization and attempted violence before receiving his suspended sentence.
Industry experts noted that Swift’s potential losses extend beyond ticket sales, as sync deals represent a substantial income source for many top-tier artists whose music is frequently licensed for commercial use.
