Austria Charges Man in Thwarted Attack on Taylor Swift Concert

Prosecutors in Austria filed terrorism and other charges on Monday against a 21-year-old they say was part of a terrorist group planning an attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna in 2024. The suspect, who has not been publicly identified, professed allegiance to the Islamic State group online.

The foiled plot prompted the cancellation of three of the singer's Austrian shows. Authorities allege he downloaded ISIS instructions for a shrapnel bomb "specifically designed" for terror attacks and was charged with receiving instructions on handling and using the materials.

He is also accused of repeatedly trying to buy firearms and a hand grenade and of directing illegal dealers to import weapons into Austria. The suspect has been in custody since August 2024 and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. A tip from American intelligence first raised concerns about the concerts, which were part of Swift's Eras tour and expected to draw tens of thousands of fans.

Austria, Vienna

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