The 18-year-old suspect accused of murdering three young girls in Southport is now facing additional charges of possessing terrorist materials and producing the lethal toxin ricin, according to police announcements. Axel Rudakubana is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, where he will be charged with the production of the highly toxic substance as well as possessing a document titled “Military Studies in the Jihad Against the Tyrants – the Al-Qaida Training Manual.”
Serena Kennedy, Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, confirmed that the tragic murders of Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, are not being classified as a terrorist incident. She emphasized that no evidence has been found to suggest a terrorist motive behind these actions.
Rudakubana was apprehended on July 29, shortly after a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, occurring during the initial week of the school summer holiday. In addition to the murder charges, he faces ten counts of attempted murder for alleged assaults on eight other children and two adults, as well as charges related to possessing a bladed weapon.
During a press conference held at the Merseyside Police headquarters on Tuesday, Kennedy described the new charges as a result of a “lengthy and complex” three-month investigation. She urged the public not to engage in speculation regarding the alleged offenses.
Evidence of ricin was found at Rudakubana’s residence in Banks, approximately five miles from Southport, shortly after the knife attack. Kennedy clarified that there was no indication of ricin being present at Hart Space, the site of the attack, and that counter-terrorism police have not classified the events of July 29 as a terrorist incident.
“Counter-terrorism policing has not declared the attack on July 29 as a terrorist incident,” Kennedy stated. “Motivation would need to be established for an incident to be classified as such. I advise everyone to refrain from speculation about the motivation in this case.”
Kennedy highlighted that counter-terrorism officers are still evaluating the evidence, and the complete case against Rudakubana, originally from Cardiff, is scheduled for disclosure at the trial planned for January.
In light of the new charges, about 2,000 riot officers are reportedly on standby, as there are concerns that the announcement could incite unrest. Politicians Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch have both expressed their worries about police actions and government response to the situation.
Jenrick emphasized the public's right to immediate information regarding the attack and voiced concern over potential facts being withheld, suggesting that any implication of a cover-up could erode public trust in the criminal justice system.
Nazir Afzal, the former chief crown prosecutor for northwest England, criticized Jenrick's comments, asserting that statements made during ongoing legal proceedings could be unlawful and prejudicial. Neil Basu, a former head of the UK's counter-terrorism policing, echoed these sentiments, labeling Jenrick’s comments as irresponsible and potentially harmful to the pursuit of justice.
In contrast, Badenoch underscored the importance of scrutinizing the actions of law enforcement and the Crown Prosecution Service while adhering to legal standards to avoid prejudicing the case.
The UK government has denied involvement in the timing of the announcement regarding Rudakubana’s charges, with a spokesperson stating that charging decisions are made independently by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper cautioned against speculation, emphasizing that the priority should be delivering justice for the victims and their grieving families.
Dr. Renu Bindra from the UK Health Security Agency reported that there is no evidence suggesting exposure to ricin among those present at Hart Space or among first responders. She assessed the risk to the general public as “low.”
After the magistrates' court hearing on Wednesday, Rudakubana's next court appearance is scheduled for November 13 at Liverpool Crown Court.
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