The lawyer for the alleged mastermind behind a terror plot targeting Taylor Swift’s “Eras” tour in Vienna has dismissed the charges as “pure fantasy.” The plot led to the cancellation of Swift’s highly anticipated concerts in the city.
The 19-year-old Austrian man, arrested last Wednesday along with two others, reportedly confessed to planning an attack on the concert. However, his lawyer argues that the claims are exaggerated and impossible. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, was apprehended after authorities discovered bomb-making materials and other evidence at his home.
According to police, the plan involved detonating an explosive device at the concert venue, driving a vehicle into the crowd, and attacking concertgoers with knives. Authorities stated that the suspect had been radicalized toward the Islamic State and allegedly told police his goal was to “kill as many people as possible.” A photo of the suspect holding machetes has also circulated, raising further concerns.
“Pure Fantasy” Defense
Despite the severity of the charges, the suspect’s lawyer, Werner Tomanek, strongly refutes them. Tomanek claims his client lacked both the means and capability to execute such an attack. Speaking to the Austria Press Agency, he stated, “He had neither the means nor the possibility and the explosives to carry this out,” dismissing the allegations as “overacting at its best.”
Tomanek suggests the accusations are based on exaggerated interpretations of the evidence, arguing that his client never posed a real threat. He insists the supposed plot was more of a delusional fantasy than a viable plan.
The alleged terror plot prompted the cancellation of Taylor Swift’s Vienna concerts, which were expected to draw nearly 200,000 fans. Following the cancellations, Swifties took to the streets of Vienna, singing Taylor Swift songs and exchanging friendship bracelets as a way to console each other.
As of now, there has been no official word on whether Taylor Swift will reschedule her Vienna shows. The pop superstar is set to continue her “Eras” tour with a five-show stint at London’s Wembley Stadium, starting on Thursday.