The man arrested in connection with a terror plot linked to Taylor Swift’s 2024 Eras Tour concerts in Vienna has been found guilty.
He has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Prosecutors alleged that the convicted man, known as Betram A, had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State terrorist group in the days before the planned attack. He also tried to purchase weapons. Bomb-making materials were discovered after a search of his apartment.
The suspect reportedly admitted guilt at the opening of the trial and expressed regret before his sentencing.
“I would just like to say that I am sorry,” he announced, according to the Associated Press.
Taylor Swift cancelled three shows in Vienna, Austria, after it was confirmed there was a plot to attack The Eras Tour at Ernst-Happel-Stadion.
“The suspects actually had very specific and detailed plans to cause a tragedy on the scale of Paris, Manchester or Moscow,” Karl Nehammer, the chancellor of Austria, shared, as reported by The New York Times.
CNN reported that investigators had revealed the possibility that the suspects in the case planned to run over fans outside the stadium in phony police vehicles. The network claimed that the suspects also planned to detonate explosives inside the venue.
Although authorities initially insisted the planned shows would still happen amid increased security, Swift’s team opted to cancel instead.
“Taylor Swift The Eras Tour Vienna shows cancelled due to government officials’ confirmation of planned terrorist attack,” read the statement from Barracuda Music at the time.
