Axel Rudakubana, 18, has been charged with the production of the deadly poison ricin and possession of a terrorist manual, authorities announced today. The charges come as part of an investigation into a tragic incident in July in which Rudakubana allegedly attacked a Taylor Swift-themed children’s holiday club in Southport, resulting in the deaths of three young girls: Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9. The attack also left eight other children and two adults injured, with some sustaining critical injuries.
Rudakubana, from Banks, Lancashire, already faces charges of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder, and possession of a knife related to the July 29 stabbing at Hart Space Community Centre. The latest charges were authorized by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) following a search of Rudakubana’s home, which uncovered ricin and a copy of Military Studies in the Jihad Against the Tyrants: The Al-Qaeda Training Manual.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy of Merseyside Police confirmed the discovery of ricin at Rudakubana’s residence but reassured the public, stating that the substance posed a “low to very low risk” and that no contamination occurred at the incident site on Hart Street. She emphasized that the charges under the Biological Weapons and Terrorism Act do not necessarily imply that the incident has been classified as terrorism, and the motive remains under investigation.
“The new charges might prompt speculation,” Ms. Kennedy said. “However, it’s important to avoid assumptions and allow the judicial process to unfold.”
The incident sparked widespread unrest, with social media misinformation leading to rioting in multiple UK towns and cities. In response, King Charles expressed his condolences and visited Southport, marking the event with a personal statement of “profound shock.
Sarah Hammond, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire, stated, “The two new charges against Axel Rudakubana follow evidence obtained during a thorough investigation by Merseyside Police.” Rudakubana will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court via video link tomorrow to face the charges, with a plea expected next month.
As speculation circulates online, Ms. Kennedy urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information, highlighting the need to respect Rudakubana’s right to a fair trial and to secure justice for the victims and their families.
