Axel Rudakubana, who killed three girls, had prior referrals to an anti-terror program before the tragic incident in Southport
Southport: A tragic event unfolded when Axel Rudakubana, just 13, pleaded guilty to murdering three young girls. It turns out he was referred to an anti-terror program three times before this horrific act.
He was first sent to the Prevent scheme because of concerns about his online activity. This program aims to steer people away from violent ideologies. Despite being referred multiple times, he was assessed as not posing a terrorism risk.
In July 2024, Rudakubana attacked a dance class themed around Taylor Swift. He fatally stabbed Alice, Bebe, and Elsie, ages nine, six, and seven. It was a shocking and brutal incident.
After the attack, authorities reviewed how his case was handled. They wanted to see if the right steps were taken regarding his referrals. There were worries he had been looking at violent content online, including school shootings.
Despite these concerns, he was deemed not a threat to national security. This has raised questions about the gaps in the system for managing young people who might be dangerous but don’t fit the typical terrorist profile.
Rudakubana also pleaded guilty to other serious charges, including attempted murder and possession of a biological toxin. He’s expected to face a life sentence when he’s sentenced on Thursday.
