Teenager Axel Rudakubana appears in court accused of murdering three girls in a devastating knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Image (Peter Powell/AFP)
(The Post News)- A tumultuous scene unfolded in Liverpool City Magistrates’ Court as Axel Rudakubana, a teenager from a nearby village in Lancashire, faced charges of murdering three young girls in a brutal stabbing attack at a community center in Southport, northern England. The assault, which occurred during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, left three girls dead and several others injured.
Rudakubana, who will turn 18 in six days, was arrested at the scene and made his first court appearance on Thursday. He faces charges of murder, attempted murder, and possession of knife objects. Judge Andrew Menary KC chose not to conceal Rudakubana’s identity, citing the potential for misinformation to spread.
The case has sparked widespread outrage, with a protest outside a Northwest England mosque turning violent. Authorities suspect the involvement of the far-right group English Defence League, which allegedly threw bottles and stones at police, injuring 20 officers.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned the violence, labeling it “terrorism” and lamenting the disruption of a peaceful vigil held in mourning for the victims. The trial preparation hearing is set to resume on October 25 at Liverpool Crown Court, with a temporary trial date scheduled for January 20, 2025.
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