An Austrian court sentenced a 21-year-old man to 15 years in prison Thursday for plotting an Islamist attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna last year. Beran A, whose full name has not been released under Austrian privacy laws, was arrested on August 7, 2024, the day before Swift was set to perform three shows in the capital. All dates were subsequently canceled, disappointing thousands of fans.
Beran A pleaded guilty and apologized in court, saying, "I am sorry." Investigations revealed he attempted to buy weapons, including a machine gun and hand grenade, and followed an Islamic State manual to produce explosive material. He also admitted to traveling to Dubai in March 2024 with the intent to carry out an attack but suffered a panic attack and returned home.
The jury found him guilty on nearly all counts, and co-defendant Arda K received a 12-year sentence.
