In a tragic incident that has shaken the community of Southport, the identity of the suspect involved in the horrific stabbing has come to light. Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, the son of renowned karate black belt Alphonse Rudakubana, has been named in several social media posts as the individual responsible for the brutal attack that resulted in the deaths of three children and left several others fighting for their lives.
Who Is Axel Rudakubana?
The shocking events unfolded during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29, 2024. Witnesses reported that a 17-year-old male entered the venue on Hart Street and began attacking participants with a knife. Merseyside Police have confirmed that three children succumbed to their injuries, while two adults remain in critical condition in the hospital. The suspect was apprehended at the scene and is currently in police custody.
In the wake of the attack, social media has been rife with speculation and misinformation. A viral post incorrectly identified the suspect as Ali Al-Shakati, an asylum seeker who allegedly arrived in the UK by boat in 2023. Merseyside Police swiftly debunked this claim, confirming that the suspect, Axel Rudakubana, was born in the UK. The police have urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information while the investigation is ongoing.
The Southport stabbing was committed by Axel Rudakubana, the son of karate black belt Alphonse Rudakubana. He was born in Cardiff, and his family are from Rwanda. People need to stop trusting everything they read – there was never any evidence the suspect was an illegal.
— Callum L Grady (@callumlgrady) July 30, 2024
Axel Rudakubana is the son of Alphonse Rudakubana, a distinguished karate practitioner who achieved his black belt in Shotokan Karate. Alphonse’s journey in martial arts began in Rwanda in 1996, and he continued his training upon moving to the UK in 2002. His dedication and hard work culminated in earning a black belt after nearly two decades of rigorous training across multiple clubs in Cardiff and Southport.
The Rudakubana family moved to Southport from Cardiff in 2013. Neighbors described them as a “nice family” who integrated well into the community. Helen, a neighbor who chose to remain anonymous, expressed her shock at the news, recalling how the family seemed ordinary and pleasant. She mentioned that Alphonse was a hardworking man and his wife a devoted stay-at-home mother.
His name is Axel Muganwa Rudakubana
*This is his Leisure League profile.
*This is his brother.
*This person also lives at his address
*Here is an article about his father doing martial arts #southportattack@WayneGb88https://t.co/hqP737bcXe pic.twitter.com/e6FlbqKaX2— Paige (@PaigeGCMG) July 30, 2024
The community of Southport is in mourning, with hundreds of tributes laid at the scene of the attack. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper visited the site, offering condolences and support to the grieving families. Keir Starmer is also expected to pay his respects later today.
Merseyside Police continue their investigation, maintaining a strong presence at the crime scene. A spokesperson for the police reiterated that the incident is not being treated as terror-related and that no additional suspects are being sought. They have appealed to the public to come forward with any information that might aid the investigation.
As Southport grapples with the aftermath of this senseless tragedy, the community’s resilience and solidarity are evident. The police and local authorities are working tirelessly to provide answers and support to those affected by the attack. The Rudakubana family, once seen as exemplary members of the community, now find themselves at the center of an unimaginable crisis, leaving many to question what could have led to such a devastating act.
For ongoing updates on this developing story, stay tuned to our news coverage.