On July 29, 2024, Axel Rudakubana carried out a mass stabbing in Southport, England, resulting in the deaths of three young girls and injuries to ten others.

Axel is often described as a quiet and introverted individual. He had a background in musical theatre and was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

Highlights

• Alex Rudakubana, born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents, was expelled from school after bringing a knife and threatening students.
• Despite three referrals to the Prevent anti-terror program, Alex’s violent tendencies were not deemed a terrorism threat, allowing his actions to escalate.
• Alex pleaded guilty to the murder of three girls in a planned attack, sparking national protests and raising questions about the effectiveness of intervention programs.

Despite previous reports to the UK’s counterterrorism program, Prevent, regarding his behavior, no significant interventions occurred before the attack.

In January 2025, Rudakubana pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including three counts of murder and ten counts of attempted murder, and now faces a life sentence.

Alex was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents and later moved to Banks, near Southport around 2013.

While the media is not privy to information about Alex Rubdakunbana’s parents, during interviews, neighbors have said that his mom was a stay-at-home mom while his dad went to work in a small car, such as a Fiesta or Polo.

Axel Rudakubana brought a knife into school, and broke a classmate’s wrist with a hockeystick.

No wonder the headteacher of Rudakubana’s school told parents not to talk to the press.

His family knew that he was a monster.

They raised this murderer.

They should be deported. pic.twitter.com/HJt8yaP9lB

— Connor Tomlinson (@Con_Tomlinson) January 20, 2025

 

It was also shared that a week before the incident, Rudakubana’s father pleaded with a taxi driver not to take him to Range High School.

Alex was expelled from Range High School earlier, on 22 July 2019, for bringing a knife to class and threatening another student.

Alex attended specialist schools after his expulsion but continued to exhibit concerning behavior.

Despite being referred to the Prevent anti-terror program three times due to his violent tendencies and interest in school massacres, he was not accepted into the scheme due to a lack of evidence of terrorist ideology.

Furthermore, on the day of the attack, Alex targeted a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at The Hart Space, leading to widespread trauma within the community and sparking nationwide protests.

In the aftermath, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a public inquiry to understand how the state failed to protect the victims, acknowledging the need for accountability.

Alex pleaded guilty to three counts of murder, ten counts of attempted murder, and two terror-related charges, with sentencing scheduled for January 23, 2025.

This case has raised critical questions about the effectiveness of intervention programs and the state’s responsibilities in preventing such tragedies.

Alex Rudakubana has pleaded guilty to the murder along with other charges 

Alex Rudakubana has pleaded guilty to the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.

His actions, described as a meticulously planned rampage, resulted in nationwide riots fueled by false reports on social media suggesting he was a radical Islamist migrant.

For months the media tried to push the narrative that Axel had been a perfect pupil at school. Now the truth has emerged, at the age of 13 he went to school with a knife and hockey stick and attacked kids there and never went to school again after that. https://t.co/jYtxOhRa86

— Scott Cheggs (@Mr_Scott_Cheggs) January 21, 2025

 

Despite prior referrals to the Prevent counter-radicalization scheme for concerns over his interest in death and violence, no preventive actions were taken.

Leading up to the tragic incident, Alex exhibited concerning behaviors, including a fascination with violence and despot figures like Hitler.

Moreover, following the attack, Alex pleaded guilty to all charges, including the production of a biological toxin, ricin.

He now faces a life sentence, with the entirety of his crimes set to be detailed during the sentencing.

The case has caused significant public outrage, leading to protests and calls for a review of the Prevent program’s effectiveness. 

In the aftermath, Alex’s actions have led to widespread condemnation and a reevaluation of the effectiveness of counter-radicalization programs.

The community remains in shock, grappling with the loss of innocent lives and the failure to prevent such a tragedy.

Additional Infomation

• Alex Rudakubana is just 18 years old as of January 2025.
• Rudakubana also has an older brother who is a talented musician and high-achieving mathematician.