UK: South African Teenager Charged with Murder, Terror Offenses

SA Teen Faces Murder, Terror Charges

“I would strongly advise anyone against speculating as to the motivation in this case...”

Axel Rudakubana, 18, charged with murder, terrorism, and possession of Al-Qaeda training manual and biological toxin after stabbing three girls at UK dance class.

Axel Rudakubana, an 18-year-old from Southport, UK, has been charged with the murders of three young girls and terrorism-related offenses. On July 29, 2024, Rudakubana allegedly carried out a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, resulting in the tragic deaths of six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar.

The attack occurred at the Hart Space, a community studio in Southport, where 25 children were attending the dance workshop. Two girls died at the scene, while six children and two adults were critically injured and taken to the hospital. Sadly, Alice da Silva Aguiar passed away the following day.

Rudakubana, born in Cardiff, Wales, to Rwandan parents, has been charged with three counts of murder, ten counts of attempted murder, and possession of a bladed article. Initially, his identity was protected as a minor, but reporting restrictions were lifted on August 1, 2024, to counter misinformation.

In October 2024, additional charges were brought against Rudakubana under the Biological Weapons Act 1974 and Terrorism Act 2000 for possession of ricin and an al-Qaeda training manual. His trial is scheduled to begin on January 20, 2025.

During a search of his home in early August, police discovered a PDF copy of “Military Studies in the Jihad Against the Tyrants: The Al-Qaeda Training Manual,” a document created by a terrorist group. The manual provides guidance on urban warfare, terrorism, establishing cells, and actions to take if arrested. Rudakubana is accused of possessing this document from August 29, 2021, to July 30, 2024, violating Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Stan Reiz, King's Counsel (KC) for Rudakubana's defense, stated, “Rudakubana has remained silent during earlier hearings and has opted not to respond for personal reasons.”

Prosecutor Deanna Heer, KC, requested that the charges of murder, attempted murder, and other offenses be connected, citing the alleged possession of the Al-Qaeda training manual and biological toxin as relevant to the case.

Rudakubana's charges now include:

• Three counts of murder
• Ten counts of attempted murder
• Possession of a bladed article
• Possession of a biological toxin
• Possession of terrorist material (Al-Qaeda training manual)

His trial is scheduled to begin on January 20, 2025.

She said, “He is currently facing proceedings in Liverpool Crown Court.

“In respect of those matters, he is due to appear on November 13 for a plea trial and preparation hearing.

“And the Crown's application would be for both of those matters to be sent directly to Liverpool Crown Court to link up with those matters.“

At a press conference on October 29, Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy emphasized that establishing a motive is not necessary for the charges against Axel Rudakubana, the 18-year-old accused of a fatal stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed event in Southport, UK. The attack, which occurred on July 29, has not been classified as a terrorist incident by counter-terrorism police since a motive has not been identified.

Kennedy cautioned against speculation, stating, “I would strongly advise anyone against speculating as to the motivation in this case. The criminal proceedings against Axel Rudakubana are live and he has a right to a fair trial.” Rudakubana faces multiple charges, including three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder, and possession of a knife.

Charges Against Axel Rudakubana:

• Three counts of murder for the deaths of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice da Silva Aguiar
• 10 counts of attempted murder, including against yoga instructor Leanne Lucas, businessman John Hayes, and eight unnamed children
• Possession of a knife
• Terrorism charge for allegedly possessing a jihadi training manual
• Producing ricin, a deadly poison 

Rudakubana's trial is scheduled to begin in January 2025. Kennedy reassured the public that the police are committed to achieving justice for the families of the victims and ensuring public safety.