Southport Killer’s Laptop Held Jihadi John Image

Attack on Children’s Dance Class

Rudakubana went on to carry out the Southport attack in July 2024. Armed with knives, he targeted children at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday dance club. Six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar were killed.

He also attempted to murder eight further children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, along with dance instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes, who intervened.

Rudakubana, then 17, was convicted in January and sentenced to a minimum term of 52 years. He received 13 life sentences for three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder.

Read more: Dance school plot: Cwmbran teen jailed for terror attack plan

He also admitted producing the biological toxin ricin and possessing an al-Qaeda training manual, contrary to the Terrorism Act. He avoided a whole life order only because he was nine days short of his 18th birthday at the time of the killings.

Internet Searches Before Attack

The inquiry was told that Rudakubana attempted to wipe browsing history from some of his devices on the day of the attack. However, investigators found he used one device to search the social media platform X for “Mar Mari Emmanuel stabbing” – a knife attack on an Australian bishop – shortly before setting off.

Mr Moss KC said Rudakubana searched for the video “just minutes before” taking a taxi, and 40 minutes later launched his attack. He described the timing as “sobering and concerning”.

No Terrorist Ideology Found

Despite the extremist imagery found on his devices, police concluded that Rudakubana’s actions were not driven by any religious or terrorist ideology. Mr Moss said the families of the victims “have made clear that they wish to understand how this conclusion was reached”.

Further Incidents in Custody

Since his conviction, Rudakubana has been accused of further violence while in custody. Earlier this year, he allegedly attacked a prison officer at HMP Belmarsh with boiling water.

The inquiry, which opened in July, is examining events leading up to the attack and whether it could have been prevented. Early hearings have included statements from victims and their families.

Proceedings continue.

Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.