Authorities have identified 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana as the suspect in the fatal stabbing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport. Judge Andrew Menary ruled on Thursday to lift reporting restrictions on Rudakubana’s identity, despite his status as a minor, citing the impending transition to adulthood and the need to curb misinformation.

The tragic incident occurred at a dance school on Monday, where Rudakubana allegedly carried out a stabbing spree that resulted in the deaths of Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Bebe King, 6. Eight other children were injured, five of whom remain in critical condition. Two adults, including yoga class instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes, also suffered critical injuries.

Rudakubana, born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents Alphonse Rudakubana and Laetitia Muzayire, has been charged with three counts of murder, ten counts of attempted murder, and possession of a bladed article. He appeared in Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, where he was remanded into youth detention.

The attack has prompted widespread outrage and unrest in Southport. Vigils mourning the victims have been disrupted by clashes between protesters and police, resulting in injuries to 22 police officers and the hospitalization of 11. A police van was set ablaze amid the chaos.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy of Merseyside Police described the horrific scene, noting that the adults injured in the attack were attempting to protect the children. The violence erupted during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class attended by children aged 6 to 11.

The investigation is ongoing, with the Merseyside Police Department’s Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit leading the efforts. Authorities have urged anyone with additional information or video footage of the incident to come forward.

Axel Rudakubana Religion, Nationality, Family, and Age