Manchester Arena comparison

A man accused of planning an attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna has pleaded guilty as his trial begins, according to Austrian media reports.

The 21-year-old suspect, identified only as Beran A. under local privacy laws, is charged with terrorism-related offenses, including membership in a terrorist organization. He could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Authorities say the suspect had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and was involved in a plot targeting crowds outside the Ernst Happel Stadium, where tens of thousands of fans were expected to gather for Swift’s Eras Tour performances in August 2024.

Although the attack was never carried out, the threat prompted officials to cancel three scheduled concerts, disappointing thousands of fans who had traveled from around the world. Many still gathered in the city, turning the moment into spontaneous public singalongs and fan meetups.

Prosecutors allege the suspect intended to carry out violence against concertgoers using weapons or explosives and had been in contact with other extremist figures. Materials linked to bomb-making were reportedly found during a search of his residence shortly before the planned shows.

The trial is taking place in Wiener Neustadt, where the defendant is being tried alongside another suspect facing separate terrorism charges linked to planned attacks in multiple countries. A third individual connected to those wider plots was arrested in Saudi Arabia in 2024.

The Vienna case has drawn comparisons to the Manchester Arena bombing, which targeted a concert crowd and underscored the risks faced at large entertainment events.

Swift previously described the cancellation of her Vienna shows as devastating, noting the emotional toll on fans and the fear surrounding the security threat. The trial is expected to continue in May as proceedings move forward.