May 29 (THEWILL) — A 21-year-old Austrian man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for planning a jihadist attack targeting Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” concerts in Vienna in August 2024.
The man, identified only as Beran A under Austrian privacy laws, was also found guilty of several terrorism-related offences.
He was arrested after a tip-off from the CIA just before the first of three sold-out shows at Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium.
All three concerts were cancelled, affecting nearly 200,000 fans and Swift herself.
Prosecutors said he had become radicalized and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group.
He was also accused of trying to buy weapons, including a machine gun and a hand grenade, and of preparing materials for an attack on fans outside the stadium.
He told the court he was sorry before sentencing.
Another 21-year-old man, identified as Arda K, who was involved in the wider case, was also jailed for 12 years for related terrorism offences.
Taylor Swift later said the incident left her with “a new sense of fear” and “a tremendous amount of guilt,” but added she was grateful authorities prevented a tragedy.
The Vienna court said Beran A retains the right to appeal the sentence.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
