Teen on trial for stabbings at Taylor Swift-themed dance class in UK

A teenager is standing trial in connection with a stabbing attack that took place at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, northwest England, last summer.

Axel Rudakubana, 18, faces charges of three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder, and additional charges related to possessing the poison ricin and an al-Qaida manual. The attack, which occurred on July 29, 2024, resulted in the deaths of three young girls and injuries to several others, including the dance instructor.

The incident occurred on the first day of summer vacation when young girls gathered at the Hart Space, a venue located behind a row of houses, for a dance class set to Taylor Swift's music.

What was meant to be a joyful day turned tragic when an intruder with a knife attacked the group, leaving the community in shock.

Rudakubana, who was 17 at the time of the attack, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trial is expected to last for four weeks, and Rudakubana has remained silent in court.

He faces charges related to the deaths of Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Bebe King, 6. Eight other girls, ranging in age from 7 to 13, were injured, along with the instructor, Leanne Lucas, and Jonathan Hayes, who intervened.

The stabbings led to widespread unrest in parts of England and Northern Ireland after Rudakubana was initially falsely identified as an asylum seeker.

This triggered riots organized by far-right groups, leading to clashes with police and over 1,200 arrests.

Months after the attack, Rudakubana was charged with additional offenses related to the production of ricin and possession of terrorist-related material, although the stabbings have not been classified as terrorism due to the unknown motive

. The trial, set to conclude in four weeks, is being closely monitored by the public and authorities.