Southport's Rudakubana Charged with Terrorism After Ricin, Al-Qaeda Manual Found

Oct 29, 2024, 03:36 PM

On July 29, a knife attack during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport resulted in the deaths of three girls. The accused, 18-year-old Southport resident **Axel Rudakubana**, has now been charged with additional terrorism offenses. Merseyside Police conducted a search of Rudakubana's home, uncovering the deadly toxin ricin and a military study of an Al-Qaeda training manual. Prosecutors have authorized these new charges under the Terrorism Act, including production of a biological toxin and possession of materials useful for committing a terrorist act. Despite these developments, Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy stated that the incident has not been officially declared a terrorist attack, as authorities have not yet established a motive. Rudakubana was already facing charges of murdering three girls, ten counts of attempted murder, and possession of a knife.