The family of Axel Rudakubana, the teenager who pleaded guilty to a devastating attack in Southport last year, has been moved to a secret location by police for their protection, church leaders confirmed.
The 18-year-old admitted to three counts of murder and ten counts of attempted murder after fatally stabbing three young girls—Bebe King (6), Elsie Dot Stancombe (7), and Alice da Silva Aguiar (9)—and injuring ten others at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club on July 29, 2024. The attack shocked the nation and led to violent riots in the aftermath.
Family Relocated for Safety
Leaders of The Community Church in Southport, where Rudakubana’s father, Alphonse, is a member, released a statement addressing speculation about the family. They revealed that police had relocated the family from their home in Banks, Lancashire, to a secure location.
“The family is devastated by the tragic events and the loss of life,” the statement read. “For their protection, the police have moved them to a location we are unaware of.”
Misinformation and Speculation
In the wake of the attack, widespread disinformation falsely claimed Rudakubana was an asylum seeker and Muslim, which fueled tensions in the community. The church leaders clarified that Rudakubana was born in the UK, lived with autism, and had struggled with mental health issues.
They also addressed the family’s connection to the church, confirming that while Alphonse was a “valued part of the congregation,” his family had not participated in church activities.
Prime Minister Addresses New Threat
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the case as emblematic of a “new threat” involving young individuals radicalized online. “These are often loners, fixated on violence for its own sake,” Starmer said, announcing the appointment of a new independent commissioner for the UK’s Prevent anti-extremism scheme.
Prevent Scheme Failures
It emerged that Rudakubana had been referred to the Prevent scheme three times in the 17 months before the attack, due to concerns about his violent tendencies. However, he was deemed not to require intervention.
His history of violence includes being expelled from school in 2019 for carrying a knife, which he claimed was for self-defense after being racially bullied. He also assaulted a former peer with a hockey stick after his exclusion.
Community Tensions and Tragedy
The attack sparked riots, including a violent incident at a local mosque fueled by misinformation, resulting in injuries to police and significant property damage. Church leaders condemned the unrest, emphasizing the true spirit of Southport as reflected by the community’s outpouring of support for the victims.
Rudakubana’s sentencing is expected in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, police continue to work to restore peace and reassure the Southport community following the tragedy.
