A 21-year-old Austrian man has pleaded guilty to plotting a jihadist attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna in 2024, a plan that led to the cancellation of three shows on her record-breaking tour. The suspect admitted to all charges except attempted murder and has been in custody since his arrest two days before the first scheduled performance at the Ernst Happel Stadium.

Prosecutors say he helped form a highly dangerous terror cell inspired by the Islamic State group, alongside two other men. He allegedly sought weapons, attempted to build a shrapnel bomb, and communicated with members of the extremist organization for guidance. In court, he said he believed he had to wage jihad but was afraid to die and had not finalized a concrete plan before his arrest.

The defendant also admitted traveling abroad with the intention of carrying out a stabbing attack but said he abandoned the plan after suffering a panic attack. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Authorities said the concert plot was foiled with assistance from intelligence provided by the United States, and related court proceedings are ongoing.