Southport, England — Axel Rudakubana, an 18-year-old man from Banks, pleaded guilty on Monday to the murder of three young girls and attempted murder of 10 during a brutal knife attack at a dance class last summer. Their sudden admission of guilt came on the first day of his trial at Liverpool Crown Court.
Victims—Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9—were attending a Taylor Swift-med dance and bracelet-making class on July 29, 2024, during the school summer break. Among 10 or injured were eight children and two adults.
In addition to murder and attempted murder charges, police discovered ricin at Rudakubana’s home, along with an Al Qaeda training manual. He was subsequently charged with producing a biological toxin and possessing information likely to assist terrorism.
Warning Signs Ignored
British authorities have come under scrutiny following revelations that Rudakubana had been referred to the country’s Prevent counterterrorism program at least three times as a teenager due to his obsession with violence. Despite contact with police, social services, and mental health services, no decisive action was taken to mitigate the risk he posed.
“This failure to act raises grave concerns about how a young man with such clear warning signs was able to carry out such a heinous act,” said Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. She has announced a public inquiry to address systemic lapses that allowed the attack to occur.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed his sentiments, stating, “We have grave questions to answer about how the state failed in its ultimate duty to protect the young girls. Britain will demand answers, and we will leave no stone unturned in that pursuit.”
Court Proceedings and Community Response
On Monday, Rudakubana appeared in court wearing a gray sweatsuit and a surgical mask, quietly mumbling “guilty” to each charge. His admission spared families of victims the pain of a lengthy trial.
“You will understand it is inevitable sentence to be imposed upon you will mean a life sentence equivalent,” said Judge Julian Goose, who scheduled sentencing for Thursday.
Mersey-Cheshire prosecutor’s office called the attack “unspeakable” in its savagery while highlighting Rudakubana’s “sustained interest in death and violence.”
Aftermath of Attack
Southport stabbings sent shockwaves across the nation, sparking riots fueled by disinformation about Rudakubana’s background. False claims spread by far-right activists led to attacks on mosques and asylum-seeker accommodations, leaving dozens of police officers injured.
Authorities confirmed that Rudakubana, who was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents, had no connection to immigration or asylum issues. In an unusual move, a judge lifted his anonymity shortly after the attack to dispel misinformation.
“While stabbings themselves were not classified as terrorism, fallout highlighted dangerous consequences of misinformation,” said Serena Kennedy, chief constable of Merseyside Police.
With Rudakubana now awaiting sentencing, the focus shifts to addressing systemic failures that allowed such an attack to occur and ensuring that families and communities of Southport receive the answers they deserve.
