The 18-year-old suspect charged with fatally stabbing three children at a Taylor Swift-themed event in the UK last July is now facing a terror charge for allegedly possessing a jihadi training manual. Authorities have identified the suspect as Axel Rudakubana from Banks, Lancashire.
In addition to the terror charge, Rudakubana was newly charged with producing ricin, a deadly poison. He had previously faced three counts of murder, ten counts of attempted murder, and one count of possession of a knife in connection with the stabbing spree that occurred in Southport, a coastal town approximately 20 miles north of Liverpool.
Merseyside Police reported that the two new charges stem from evidence obtained during searches of Rudakubana’s home. Among the findings was a PDF titled “Military Studies in the Jihad Against the Tyrants: The Al-Qaeda Training Manual,” as well as an unknown substance that tested positive for ricin.
In a statement, Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy assured the community that the police are dedicated to achieving justice for the victims, including Bebe, Elsie, and Alice, as well as the other individuals injured during the attack at the Hart Space venue. Rudakubana is set to make a virtual court appearance on Wednesday.
Kennedy noted that police have not classified the attack as a terrorist incident and urged caution against speculating on the motive behind the event. “The matter for which Axel Rudakubana has been charged under the Terrorism Act does not require motive to be established,” she explained.
During the attack, the children were attending the Taylor Swift-themed event at a dance school. Kennedy emphasized that no ricin was found at the incident site and reassured the public that there was a low risk to community safety.
The trial for Rudakubana is scheduled to commence in January 2025. In August, Taylor Swift met with family members of the victims and others affected by the attack while performing at Wembley Stadium.
Credit: ABC News
