The 17-year-old charged with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder following a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport has been identified as Axel Rudakubana. This decision was made by the Recorder of Liverpool, Judge Andrew Menary KC.
Previously, Rudakubana’s identity was protected due to his age, but he would have lost this anonymity upon turning 18 next week.
The attack, described as a ‘major incident’ on August 1, resulted in the deaths of three girls and injuries to multiple others. Five children remain hospitalized in stable condition, while two others have been discharged from Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, Bebe King, 6, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, were tragically killed during the incident on Hart Street in Southport, Merseyside. Eight other children sustained knife wounds, with five initially in critical condition. Additionally, two adults, including yoga class instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes, were critically injured.
Rudakubana faces charges of attempted murder for the injuries inflicted on the two adults and eight children. He is also charged with possessing a bladed article, specifically a curved kitchen knife.
Born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents, Rudakubana was living in the village of Banks near Southport at the time of the attack. He has been remanded into custody, with Judge Menary stating, “You are remanded into youth accommodation detention until proceedings are completed. I am not granting you bail today.”
During the 55-minute hearing, Rudakubana covered his face with a grey sweatshirt. He is scheduled to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on October 25, with a provisional trial date set for January 20.
Following the incident, riots broke out in Merseyside, including an attack on a mosque fueled by false information and speculation on social media. The local community has since come together to repair the damage.
In Whitehall, London, clashes with police resulted in over 100 arrests for various offences, including violent disorder and assault on emergency workers. In Hartlepool, demonstrators set fire to a police car and threw missiles at officers, leading to eight arrests by Cleveland Police. Chief Superintendent David Sutherland commented, “Our officers are facing missiles, glass bottles, and eggs being thrown at them and have made arrests as they remain in the area to protect the safety of those living in the community.”
