A critical moment unfolded in Banks, Lancashire, when Alphonse Rudakubana unknowingly thwarted what could have been a devastating high school attack.
His son, Axel Rudakubana, then 17, attempted to leave home on July 22, 2024, with plans to head to Range High School, 15 miles away.
Wearing a green hoodie and surgical mask, Axel had booked a taxi, setting off alarm bells for reasons only later understood.
Footage released by Merseyside Police captures the decisive moment Alphonse intervened, persuading his son to abandon his journey and return indoors.
While no weapon was found at the time, authorities believe Axel had sinister intentions that were ultimately delayed—only to surface a week later.
The Dance Studio Tragedy
On July 29, Axel launched a horrifying attack during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.
Armed with a knife, he murdered three young girls—Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine; Bebe King, six; and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven.
Twelve others, including children and adults, were injured in the violent rampage.
Prosecutors described the attack as “calculated and sadistic,” with Axel admitting in custody that he felt no remorse, saying, “I’m glad they’re dead.”
At his sentencing on January 23, 2025, Axel received a life sentence with a minimum of 52 years.
Judge Justice Goose stated it was unlikely Axel would ever be released.
A Troubled Path: Early Warning Signs
Axel’s violent tendencies were evident long before the Southport tragedy.
At 13, he was expelled from Range High School after threatening classmates with a hockey stick.
Diagnosed with autism, Axel later developed a troubling obsession with violence, war, and genocides.
Though he was flagged by counter-terrorism programs and given regular medical assessments, intervention efforts fell short of addressing his deep-rooted issues.
His expulsion led to placement in specialist educational units, but Axel’s attendance was erratic, and his violent fixation only grew.
A source revealed he had once called Childline to report being bullied, threatening to bring a knife to school—a warning that foreshadowed his later actions.
The Impact on Family
Alphonse Rudakubana, a respected taxi driver and karate black belt, has been described as a devoted father and active church member.
He and his family were blindsided by Axel’s actions.
After the tragedy, the family was relocated by police for their safety and has remained in hiding ever since.
Community leaders at The Community Church in Southport expressed their sorrow and emphasized the family’s heartbreak.
Alphonse, known for his discipline and resilience, has been left to grapple with the unimaginable actions of his son.
A National Reckoning
The Southport tragedy has forced the nation to confront uncomfortable truths about mental health, intervention systems, and the complexities of preventing violence.
Comparisons to the 1996 Dunblane massacre highlight the rarity of such attacks in the UK but also underscore the urgent need for robust preventative measures.
As Britain mourns the innocent lives lost, there is a collective hope that lessons learned from this tragedy will lead to meaningful changes, ensuring no family or community endures such pain again.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn