A 21 year old man has admitted to plotting an attack on a Taylor Swift concert in 2024.
The man, who is from Austria, was arrested following a tip off from the CIA, just before Swift was set to perform in Vienna in 2024. This led to Swift being forced to cancel all three sold out shows in the city, where more than 195,000 were expected to attend overall.
Identified as Beran A, the man's house was searched at the time, where an almost completed car bomb was discovered.
Now, Beran A has been brought to court on charges of terrorism, and other offences. He has admitted to being part of a terrorist organisation, as well as to planning this attack at the Taylor Swift shows in Vienna in 2024.
Prosecutors have claimed that Beran A had started this attack in Vienna around July 21.
He was arrested on August 7, the day before Swift's first scheduled show in Vienna as part of her Eras Tour. Other accusations also include declaring allegiance to jihadist group, Islamic State, making explosives, spreading online propaganda and attempting to purchase weapons illegally.
An indictment claims that the accused also found instructions online on how to produce a shrapnel bomb, and attempting to purchase firearms from illegal dealers. Prosecutors have also alleged Beran A had received training from other IS members.
However, he did deny other charges, including to plotting an attack on Mecca, the holy Islamic city.
Beran A stood trial with another 21 year old man, who was identified as Arda K, accused of being part of an Islamic State cell. The pair have been accused of planning attacks in Istanbul, Dubai and Mecca.
Beran A's lawyer, Anna Mair has told the court: “My client has caused a great deal of fear and panic among many people, and he will have to answer for that, no question. But please try to look beyond the headlines".
The two men accused of these charges were teenagers when the planned attack was to take place. If found guilty, they could face up to 20 years in prison.
In the midst of these cancelled shows in Vienna, Swift fans came together in the city to celebrate their favourite music from the singer.
Several fans hugged each other, trading beaded friendship bracelets, as well as hanging them on nearby trees and sang their favourite Swift tracks together.
Find out more on this story from Ireland's Classic Hits Radio here.
