Southport Attack: Teen Admits to Murder of Three Girls at Dance Class
The 18-year-old attacker pleaded guilty to 16 charges, including murder and possession of toxic substances, as the UK government investigates systemic failures.
- Axel Rudakubana, 18, confessed to murdering three girls, injuring ten others, and possessing terrorist materials during his trial at Liverpool Crown Court.
- The attack occurred on July 29, 2024, during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, leaving three children aged 6, 7, and 9 dead.
- Authorities had previously flagged Rudakubana for extremist tendencies through the Prevent program but failed to act on the warnings, prompting calls for reform.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as a national tragedy and announced an independent inquiry into potential government and institutional failures.
- The attack fueled widespread misinformation and violent far-right protests targeting migrants and minorities, leading to hundreds of arrests and convictions.
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Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung 
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Augsburger Allgemeine 
Die Rheinpfalz 
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