Southport Attack: Axel Rudakubana Charged Under Terrorism Act for Knife Attack at Dance Class
Axel Rudakubana, an 18-year-old accused of a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in July, has been formally charged under the Terrorism Act. New details from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) reveal that Rudakubana allegedly possessed al-Qaeda materials and had been producing ricin, a dangerous biological toxin, prior to the incident in Southport.
The charges include the murders of three children—Bebe King, six; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine—alongside the attempted murders of eight unnamed children, their dance instructor Leanne Lucas, and businessman John Hayes. Rudakubana is also charged with possession of a knife, while a search of his home revealed a document linked to al-Qaeda, detailing instructions on urban warfare and cell formation.
Downing Street responded to suggestions of a cover-up, denying allegations that the case had been mishandled or suppressed. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesperson emphasized that the CPS independently oversees charging decisions. Conservative leadership candidates, Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch, have demanded transparency over the incident’s handling and called for parliamentary scrutiny.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, addressing security concerns in the aftermath, has ordered a rapid review to strengthen responses to extremism. Following the attack, police have made 1,590 arrests, with substantial charges and ongoing investigations into related unrest. Authorities have also bolstered security measures in anticipation of potential tensions stemming from the new charges, although there is no direct intelligence suggesting further disturbances.
Rudakubana, born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents, is set for a court appearance on November 13 to face murder charges. His identity, previously protected, was revealed after the press won a legal application to lift reporting restrictions.
