Suspect in Southport Murder Case Charged with Terror Offense and Ricin Production
Axel Rudakubana is facing charges for the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, Bebe King, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, as well as the attempted murder of 10 others.
The suspect accused in the fatal knife attack on three girls in Stockport last summer has now been charged with a terror offense and the production of ricin, according to police.
18-year-old Axel Rudakubana has been charged with possession of information likely to aid in terrorism and for producing a biological weapon.
Rudakubana faces charges under the Terrorism Act 2000 for possessing a document titled “Military Studies in the Jihad Against the Tyrants, The al Qaeda Training Manual” between Aug. 29, 2021, and July 30, 2024.
Police discovered the document during a search of Rudakubana’s residence in Banks, Lancashire, shortly after the tragic stabbing incident that claimed the lives of three young girls.
Further, Rudakubana has been charged with producing ricin under the Biological Weapons Act 1974, with the production reportedly taking place on or before July 29.
Rudakubana is already facing charges for the murders of da Silva Aguiar, King, and Stancombe, who were tragically stabbed during a dance class in Southport on July 29.
The suspect appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for a brief hearing via videolink and remained silent during the proceedings.
A plea and trial preparation hearing is scheduled for November 13 at Liverpool Crown Court, with a provisional trial date set for January 2025.
