Axel Rudakubana, the 18-year-old accused of stabbing three girls to death in Southport, is facing additional charges related to terrorism. Chief Constable Serena Kennedy from Merseyside Police announced that a biological toxin, ricin, and an al Qaeda training manual were discovered during a search of his home.
In addition to the original charges of murder and attempted murder, Rudakubana is now charged with producing a biological toxin and possessing information likely to be used in an act of terrorism. The possession of the al Qaeda manual titled “Military Studies in the Jihad Against the Tyrants” led to the terrorism charge. However, the police have not classified the July 29th events as a terrorist incident due to the need to establish motivation.
Health officials have confirmed that there was no ricin poisoning at the dance event where the stabbings occurred, and the public was not exposed to the toxin. After conducting tests on the substance found in Rudakubana’s home, the government’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory confirmed it to be ricin. Dr. Renu Bindra from the UK Health Security Agency reassured that the risk to the community and public was low.
The victims of the attack were three young girls, Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, who tragically lost their lives. Additionally, eight other children were injured, with five of them in critical condition. Two adults who tried to protect the children were also critically injured.
Rudakubana, who was arrested on the day of the attack, will appear in court to face the new charges. Despite initial misinformation that he was an asylum seeker, it was later revealed that he was born in Cardiff, Wales. The incident sparked far-right riots across the UK, leading to numerous arrests.
As the story continues to develop, more details will be provided. Stay updated by refreshing the page or receiving breaking news alerts. The community in Southport mourns the loss of the young victims and continues to support those affected by the tragic events.