In moments of unimaginable terror, true courage often comes from the smallest voices.
For one mother, that courage came from her tiny seven-year-old daughter—now known publicly only as Child 1—who not only survived a brutal attack but showed incredible strength by protecting other children even as she was being stabbed.
Fighting back tears, the mother recalled how her daughter shielded classmates during the horrifying incident at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event, eventually dragging herself to safety after suffering 33 stab wounds.
“Our daughter may be a survivor,” she told the inquiry, “but she’s still fighting to survive—every single day.”
No Help, Just Kids Trying to Save Each Other
The attack unfolded with such speed and violence that adults scrambled to call for help and protect others.
But for Child 1, those first few minutes were a blur of trauma and instinct.
Her mother emphasized a painful truth: no adult was able to save her.
“She was alone with other children, helping them, shielding them—and she got gravely injured in the process.”
The mother did acknowledge that the teachers did what they could in the chaos.
“They called police, shielded other kids, and flagged help. We’re grateful.
But the hard part is admitting that our daughter was left to save herself,” she said.
“Her bravery deserves to be heard. Her story matters.”
A Harrowing Escape and a Horrific Return
CCTV footage from that day, shown in court, captured Child 1 escaping the building—only to be dragged back inside by the attacker.
In those agonizing 11 seconds off-screen, she endured over twenty more stab wounds.
Yet, somehow, she got back up and stumbled to a window, seeking help, before collapsing.
“She stood up,” her mother said with awe.
“She reached for the glass, trying to get someone’s attention. And she kept fighting.”
A Lifelong Battle With Trauma
Child 1’s injuries were so severe that she required emergency surgeries and spent days on a ventilator.
While her physical wounds are healing, the emotional trauma is deep.
Her mother described panic attacks, separation anxiety, and a constant fear of being alone.
Even school became difficult.
“She’s trying to make sense of something that doesn’t make sense,” the mother said.
“She needs us to promise her safety in a world where we can’t guarantee it.”
To protect her further, the family has removed all sharp objects from the home and tries to shield her from triggering social media posts—some of which heartlessly show her injuries on TikTok.
“She may see those one day. People forget she’s just a child.”
A Child With Empathy Beyond Her Years
Despite the violence she endured, Child 1 shows a remarkable empathy—asking questions about her attacker, wondering why he did it.
“I haven’t found the right words for those conversations yet,” her mother admitted.
“But I know one day, she’ll learn more. And I’m terrified it’ll break her all over again.”
She added, “My daughter deserves the truth. She deserves an apology.
All the girls do. And that must be backed by real change so nothing like this ever happens again.”
A Message to the Brave Survivors
In a moving closing, Child 1’s mother spoke directly to the other girls who lived through that day: “Make the friendship bracelets. Take the moment. Taste it.
You’ve earned every second of joy. We’ll draw stars around your scars. To my daughter—you are pure magic. We love you.”
Another Family’s Story: “Our Daughter Is Our Hero”
On the second day of the public inquiry, another set of parents shared the story of their nine-year-old daughter—stabbed three times in the back, yet still managing to run from the building and save herself.
“She didn’t even see the attacker. She just knew to run,” her father said.
He remembered the painful moment they saw the CCTV footage of her running, alone and terrified.
“She looked scared and confused… and we hadn’t even gotten there yet.”
The parents watched their daughter undergo six hours of surgery—and while she survived, she still struggles with fear, nightmares, and anxiety.
Defining the Future, Not the Trauma
This family, too, remains deeply affected, but determined not to let the attack define their daughter’s future.
“She still has her spark,” her father said.
“She’s funny, kind, strong—and she wears her scars with dignity.”
They’re proud of how she continues to move forward.
“She knows she’s loved by us, by family and friends. And through that love, she will thrive. She is our hero.”
A Third Parent’s Pain: “Will I Ever Be Normal Again?”
Another mother shared how her daughter, who wasn’t physically hurt, has been emotionally scarred since the attack.
The girl had to be coaxed into attending the dance event—and when her mother arrived to pick her up, she witnessed children running for their lives.
“That image will stay with me forever,” she said.
Though unharmed on the outside, her daughter became withdrawn, scared, and anxious.
“She asks, ‘How will I ever be normal again?’”
Even now, the girl struggles to sleep alone, hides under the table when anxious, and only sits near doors in school so she can see who comes in.
Holding On to Joy Despite It All
Therapy and family support have helped, but it’s still a long road.
“Some days are very hard,” the mother admitted.
But the family is committed to giving their daughter the love and reassurance she needs.
“She is strong, beautiful, and surrounded by support. All we want is for her to feel safe and happy again.”
A Judge’s Firm Stand on Justice and Accountability
Sir Adrian Fulford, who is leading the inquiry, made it clear: the perpetrator—17-year-old Rudakubana—will not be named in proceedings, to protect victims’ families.
He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 52 years after pleading guilty to multiple murders and attempted murders.
Sir Adrian called the attack “one of the most egregious crimes in our country’s history” and stressed that the inquiry will examine failures by the police, NHS, social services, and courts that may have allowed the attack to happen.
Preventing the Unthinkable From Happening Again
The inquiry will dive into whether laws need to change to let authorities place restrictions—like curfews or internet bans—on individuals who haven’t yet committed a crime but show signs of violent behavior.
Rudakubana had a history of watching violent content, was known for interest in knives, and was referred to Prevent (a counter-extremism program) multiple times—but his case was closed each time due to lack of clear ideology.
Weapons—including a bow and arrow, machetes, and poison-making materials—were later found in his home.
“This wasn’t unforeseeable,” Sir Adrian noted.
“It was a catastrophic failure to intervene.”
What Happens Next?
The inquiry resumes in September with more emotional statements from families still waiting to be heard.
For now, their stories of survival, trauma, strength, and resilience are bringing long-overdue attention to the cracks that allowed such a tragedy to unfold—and a powerful call to ensure it never happens again.