A teenager has pleaded guilty to the murder of three young girls during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, northwest England, last year. The attack led to widespread riots across the UK fueled by far-right misinformation.
Axel Rudakubana, 18, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, where he admitted to 16 charges, including three counts of murder, ten counts of attempted murder, and possession of a blade. He also pleaded guilty to producing the biological toxin ricin and possessing an Al-Qaeda training manual. Despite this, the attack is not being treated as a terrorist incident.
Attack Details
The stabbings occurred on July 29, 2024, at the Hart Space in Southport, where a group of children was attending a dance class to celebrate the start of the summer holidays. The victims included:
- Bebe King, aged 6
- Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged 7
- Alice da Silva Aguiar, aged 9
Eight other children, their dance instructor, and a bystander were injured during the rampage.
Rudakubana, wearing a grey tracksuit and surgical mask, refused to stand in court and only spoke to plead guilty. The judge has scheduled sentencing for Thursday.
Misinformation and Riots
The attack triggered violent riots in more than a dozen cities across England and Northern Ireland after far-right groups falsely claimed the attacker was a Muslim asylum seeker. Rioters targeted mosques, police, shops, and accommodations housing asylum seekers. Over 1,200 people were arrested during the unrest, with many facing prison sentences.
Authorities lifted restrictions on Rudakubana’s identity in August to counter misinformation. Rudakubana was born in Wales to Rwandan parents and lived in Banks, a village near Southport.
Tributes and Condolences
Pop star Taylor Swift, who was touring the UK at the time, expressed her shock over the attack. She met with two survivors during her August shows in London.
King Charles III and the Prince and Princess of Wales also visited Southport to offer their condolences and support to the affected community. The royal visits included tributes to victims and engagements with local residents.
Government Response
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the incident as a “deeply distressing tragedy” and urged for calm and respect during the legal process. Police warned the public against speculating or spreading rumors about the attack on social media.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy emphasized the importance of patience, stating:
“Don’t believe everything you read on social media. Let the legal process take its course.”
The sentencing hearing later this week is expected to provide closure for the victims’ families while addressing the unprecedented violence and unrest that followed the tragic attack.
