A grandfather whose granddaughter survived the brutal stabbing by Axel Rudakubana is demanding justice, calling for the dismissal of all authorities who failed to recognize the threat he posed before the attack.
In a heartfelt statement, he expressed his outrage over how both the public and families were let down by a series of missed opportunities to prevent the tragedy.
Failures Before and After the Attack
The grandfather, speaking publicly for the first time, accused various agencies of neglecting their duties in protecting the Southport community.
Rudakubana, whose obsession with violence had led him to be referred to the Prevent anti-extremism program three times, was able to carry out his deadly attack despite his violent history.
The authorities failed to disclose important information about his background, including his connections to counter-terrorism efforts and the discovery of ricin in his home.
“The authorities failed us both before and after the attack.
If they had done more, this could have been stopped,” the grandfather said.
“We were ignored, and the truth was kept hidden from us.”
The Missed Signs and Growing Suspicion
Rudakubana’s history of violence was well-documented.
He had been diagnosed with autism, and social services had been involved in his care for years, as well as mental health services.
He had also been monitored by the youth justice system after previous violent incidents, including bringing a knife to school at just 13.
Despite all these signs, the grandfather believes the attack could have been prevented.
He expressed disbelief over how authorities handled the situation, claiming there were “too many missed opportunities” and a lack of communication between organizations.
The involvement of so many agencies, yet their failure to act together, left the family and community devastated.
The Ricin Discovery and Delayed Information Release
Rumors had spread through Southport about the discovery of ricin in Rudakubana’s bedroom, but the authorities waited until October to confirm this to the public.
The grandfather is adamant that the public was kept in the dark about the gravity of the situation for too long.
“Why didn’t they tell us from day one?” he questioned.
“We were told not to talk about it, but then we learned the truth much later, and it felt like we were lied to all along.”
Keir Starmer’s Handling of the Situation
The grandfather was also critical of Sir Keir Starmer, accusing the Labour leader of prioritizing political strategy over the families’ well-being.
Starmer’s failure to address the attack as a possible terrorist incident from the beginning was seen as a major misstep, according to the grandfather.
“When Sir Keir came to Southport, he was met with hostility.
He didn’t seem to care or understand the gravity of what we were going through,” he recalled.
“It was a turning point, and I believe it contributed to the riots that followed.”
The Community’s Struggle and the Need for Accountability
The impact of the attack has been felt deeply across the community, with not only the immediate families affected but also extended relatives like step-parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
These individuals, the grandfather said, were left to struggle with their trauma with little support.
He shared that King Charles was one of the few authority figures who truly listened to the families, spending significant time with them during a visit in August.
This gesture was a stark contrast to the lack of support they had received from others.
Looking Ahead: Demands for Justice
While the grandfather welcomed the public inquiry into the incident, he made it clear that more than just symbolic gestures were needed.
“We don’t want empty promises or prayers.
We want action,” he stated.
“We want to see those responsible for the failures in this case held accountable, starting with the firing of the people who didn’t do their jobs.”
The families, according to the grandfather, are not looking for sympathy—they are demanding real change and accountability for the systemic failures that led to such a devastating attack.
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