A man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for plotting a terrorist attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna, Austrian authorities confirmed on Thursday. The individual, identified as 22-year-old Austrian national Marcel R., was arrested in August 2024 after police uncovered plans to target the Erste Bank Arena during a sold-out performance by the American singer.
The plot, which involved the use of explosives and firearms, was thwarted by a joint operation between Austrian intelligence and federal police. Investigators discovered that Marcel R. had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and had been in contact with senior operatives abroad. He had also stockpiled materials for constructing a bomb and conducted reconnaissance on the venue.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that the defendant planned to maximise casualties by attacking during the concert's peak attendance. The court also heard that he had sought to obtain automatic weapons and had researched ways to bypass security measures.
Marcel R. was found guilty of participating in a terrorist organisation and preparing a serious act of violent extremism. In addition to the prison term, he was placed under post-release supervision for 10 years. The verdict was delivered by the Vienna Regional Criminal Court, which deemed the sentence necessary to protect public safety.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer praised the security services for their vigilance, stating that 'this case demonstrates our resolve to confront terrorism at its roots.' The swift judicial response, he added, sends 'an unmistakable signal to those who seek to undermine our way of life.'
Taylor Swift has not publicly commented on the incident, but her representatives have expressed gratitude to Austrian authorities for preventing the attack. The Erste Bank Arena, which had increased security in anticipation of the tour, later cancelled the Vienna leg of the Eras Tour, citing 'scheduling conflicts.'
Experts note that the foiled attack highlights the ongoing threat posed by homegrown extremism in Europe. Dr. Anna Müller, a security analyst at the University of Vienna, said: 'This was a serious plot. The perpetrator had both the intent and capability to cause mass casualties. The fact that he was stopped before carrying it out is a credit to intelligence cooperation.'
Legal analysts have pointed out that the 15-year sentence is among the harshest handed down for such offences in Austria, reflecting the severity of the threat. The case also reopens debates about surveillance powers and counter-extremism strategies in the country.
Marcel R. has the right to appeal the verdict. His defence lawyer has indicated that they are considering legal options, without further elaboration.
The concert, originally scheduled for August 2024, was part of Swift's international tour. No rescheduled date has been announced. The incident has prompted a review of security protocols at major entertainment venues across Europe.
