In a grim development from Southport, UK, the 17-year-old accused of a horrific stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class has been identified as Axel Rudakubana. The teen, born in Wales to Rwandan parents, appeared in Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, smiling as he faced serious charges related to the attack that left three young girls dead and ten others wounded.
Rudakubana, whose name is being released now due to his impending 18th birthday, is charged with the murders of Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9. He is also facing ten counts of attempted murder for the stabbing of eight children and two adults who tried to intervene during the Monday attack at Hart Space, a dance school in Southport.
Judge Andrew Menary justified the decision to release Rudakubana’s name, explaining that withholding it would only fuel misinformation. This comes amid a backdrop of riots and unrest, sparked by confusion over the suspect’s identity. “Continuing to prevent the full reporting has the disadvantage of allowing others to spread misinformation, in a vacuum,” Menary noted.
The brutal attack occurred at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga workshop. Rudakubana reportedly took a taxi to the dance school early Monday morning, where he launched a savage assault with a kitchen knife featuring a curved blade. Two girls died at the scene, while a third succumbed to her injuries at the hospital the following day. The two adults injured in the attack, Leanne Lucas, 35, who led the class, and John Hayes, who ran to help after hearing screams, are still hospitalized.
In the immediate aftermath, surveillance footage emerged showing Rudakubana in a face mask and green hoodie, wandering a residential area near the scene of the crime. Despite speculation, police have emphasized that there is no evidence linking the attack to terrorism and believe Rudakubana acted alone.
The attack not only devastated the local community but also sparked significant unrest. Riots broke out, fueled by far-right protesters who, driven by erroneous online speculation, clashed with police near a local mosque. Over 20 officers were injured as the violent crowd threw rocks, bottles, and set fire to police vehicles. Southport MP Patrick Hurley condemned the violence, underscoring the crucial role of emergency services in responding to the attack.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced the protests as “thuggery,” stating that they disrupted a peaceful vigil intended to honor the victims and support the survivors.
In a tragic twist, the attack coincided with Taylor Swift’s successful German tour leg. The pop star expressed her shock and sorrow on Instagram, writing, “The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is washing over me continuously and I’m just completely in shock. These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to their families.”
Swift’s fans have rallied in support, raising over $425,000 for the victims’ families through a JustGiving page set up shortly after the attack. As the community comes to grips with this senseless act of violence, the focus remains on supporting the grieving families and ensuring justice for the victims.
