Teen Accused in U.K. Dance Class Stabbings Now Faces Terror and Ricin Production Charges

An 18-year-old accused of killing three girls during a dance class in Southport, England, has been charged with additional offenses related to producing lethal toxin ricin and possessing an Al-Qaeda training manual. Axel Rudakubana, who is already facing three murder charges and ten attempted murder charges from the July attack, was found to have produced ricin, a deadly biological toxin, and had a computer file titled Military Studies in  Jihad Against  Tyrants:  Al-Qaeda Training Manual, according to Merseyside Police. 

New charges, announced on Tuesday, include violations of  U.K.’s biological weapons laws and terrorism laws prohibiting possession of materials likely to assist in acts of terrorism. While police have charged Rudakubana with se offenses, the July attack has not officially been classified as a “terrorist incident,” as investigators have not yet identified a motive. 

July stabbings shocked the community, leaving three young victims—Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9; Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7; and Bebe King, 6—dead. Ten ors, including two adults, were wounded. In response to the tragedy, far-right groups spread misinformation on social media, incorrectly labeling Rudakubana an asylum seeker and connecting him to extremist ideologies. This disinformation led to protests and riots across England and Northern Ireland, lasting for a week. 

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy urged the public to avoid speculating about Rudakubana’s background and motives, emphasizing the need for respect toward grieving families. “We must not lose sight of families of Elsie, Bebe, and Alice, who are still grieving, and families of those children and adults who were injured and affected by what happened on that day,” Kennedy said in a statement. She urged the public to be cautious about misleading social media content, which has fueled racial and religious tensions in the wake of the attack. 

Ricin, a poison derived from castor beans, is among the deadliest known toxins, lacking an antidote and working by preventing cells from making essential proteins. The presence of such a substance has raised further concerns as the investigation continues. 

Tragedy has left the seaside town of Southport in mourning, as the community struggles to come to terms with a devastating loss. A formal trial for Rudakubana is expected in the coming months, where murder and terror charges will be addressed comprehensively.