In July, 18-year-old Axel Rudakubana was charged with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder in a violent stabbing incident to a Taylor Swift-thematic dance class in SouthportEngland. New evidence uncovered during a police investigation into the attack led to two additional new charges, including a charge under the Terrorism Act.

After searching Rudakubana’s home, police allegedly discovered a PDF file titled “Military Studies in Jihad Against Tyrants: Al-Qaeda’s Training Manual,” according to the records. the Independent. As a result, he was charged with terrorism. Authorities also revealed that Rudakubana allegedly produced the deadly poison ricin, which has its own charge for producing a biological toxin.

“At this stage, Counter Terrorism Police have not declared the events of July 29 a terrorist incident,” Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said. “The matter for which Axel Rudakubana was charged under the Terrorism Act does not require the establishment of a motive. For a matter to be declared a terrorist incident, the motivation should be established.”

Dr Renu Bindra, from the UK’s Health and Safety Executive, said there was “no evidence that victims, responders or members of the public were exposed to ricin, either as part of the incident or afterwards”. Three children, Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Aguiar, 9, were killed in the deadly attack. Eight other children and two adults suffered serious injuries, while others remained in critical condition.

Rudakubana’s trial is scheduled to begin in January 2025.

“Following the announcement of further charges today, I wanted to reassure the public in Southport and Merseyside that we are committed to getting justice for the families of Bebe, Elsie and Alice, the 10 victims who were injured at Hart Space in Southport that day from Monday in July, and the other 16 people who were present. Kennedy said. A few weeks after the incident, Swift met two people who survived the attack.