How Southport's Killer Slipped Through the Cracks

How Southport’s Killer Slipped Through the Cracks

The brutal murders of three young girls in Southport by teenager Axel Rudakubana have raised some serious concerns about missed opportunities to prevent the tragedy. No significant interventions were made to address his behavior despite being flagged by multiple agencies for his violent tendencies.

The disturbing journey of Rudakubana started during his school years. He exhibited anger issues then and a fascination with violent figures like Adolf Hitler. His such behavior further escalated in 2019 when he brought a knife to school and claimed that it was due to bullying. It did not prompt stronger action even though the incident led to his expulsion and involvement with the youth justice system.

Local authorities, mental health services and police were aware of his violent tendencies and repeated troubling behavior for years thereafter. Interventions remained limited and he failed to reintegrate into education. His three referrals to the government’s anti-extremism Prevent program between 2019 and 2021 did not lead to enhanced monitoring. He also did not fit the typical extremist profile.

Rudakubana carried out his heinous attack during a children’s dance workshop on July 29, 2024. He killed three young girls and simultaneously also injured several others.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged failure of the state and called for a comprehensive review to ensure that similar cases do not fall through the cracks in the future.

Rudakubana is currently awaiting for the sentencing.