An 18-year-old in England, Axel Rudakubana, pleaded guilty to murdering three young girls and attempting to kill 10 others during a stabbing rampage at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in July. The attack in Southport, described as meticulously planned, also injured two adults. Rudakubana faces life imprisonment at his sentencing.
The tragedy sparked national outrage, with misinformation linking the attacker to immigration fueling riots across England. Far-right activists incited violence against migrants, leading to over 1,200 arrests. Authorities later confirmed Rudakubana, born in Wales, had no such ties.
Police uncovered additional charges, including possession of ricin and extremist materials. Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged accountability for the failures that allowed the attack, calling it a moment of national trauma.
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