Prosecutors file charges against a 21-year-old suspect
The 21-year-old man accused of planning an attack at one of Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” Vienna concerts was charged with terrorism-related claims on February 16, 2026. The defendant said they planned to carry out the attack at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in August 2024, although it was uncovered and then neutralised. The Austrian authorities then cancelled all three concert dates planned for August 8, 9, and 10 two years ago.
According to officials, the suspect declared allegiance to the Islamic State group by sharing propaganda materials and videos through messaging services. Prosecutors stated that he also searched online for instructions on how to build a shrapnel bomb using triacetone triperoxide, an explosive commonly associated with extremist attacks. Austrian authorities say he produced a small quantity of the substance.
Investigators say the suspect attempted to obtain weapons
Vienna prosecutors reported that the defendant made many attempts to purchase weapons illegally outside Austria and bring them into the country. The criminal case will proceed in Wiener Neustadt, a town near Vienna. A spokesperson for the Vienna public prosecutor’s office confirmed that the suspect remains in custody. Austrian media identified him as Beran A. and reported that he was arrested in August 2024.
Authorities canceled concerts after an intelligence warning
Austrian authorities canceled three planned Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna in August 2024 after uncovering the alleged plot. The United States shared intelligence with Austrian officials that contributed to the decision. At the time, White House national security spokesman John Kirby stated that the United States works closely with international partners to monitor and disrupt terrorism threats. The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare for trial.