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Taylor Swift issued a statement after a fatal stabbing attack took place at a dance class that celebrated her music in Southport, England. What happened in Southport and how did the “Cornelia Street” singer respond to the tragedy?
What Happened at the Taylor Swift Dance Class in Southport?
The incident took place on July 29, 2024, during a dance and yoga class in Southport that celebrated Swift’s discography. Three children died, while several were injured and hospitalized.
“The nine-year-old girl died in hospital in the early hours of this morning, Tuesday, 30 July. We can confirm that the children who died yesterday were girls aged six and seven years,” police said in a statement obtained by CNN on July 30, 2024. “Eight other children suffered stab wounds sustained during the attack, and five of them are in a critical condition. Two adults are also in a critical condition after being injured during the incident.”
The victims were Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Bebe King, 6.
Was Anyone Arrested After the Stabbing in Southport?
Following the tragedy, a 17-year-old was arrested at the scene on “suspicion of murder and attempted murder.” The attacker walked into the premises armed with a knife and started to attack the young dancers, according to Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy.
“We believe that the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked,” Kennedy said during a press conference on July 29.
Teen Charged With Murder Following Stabbing Attack
A 17-year-old boy, whose name has not publicly been revealed, was charged with the murders of the three children following the knife attack, Merseyside Police confirmed on August 1, 2024. He was also charged with 10 counts of attempted murder, as well as possession of a bladed article.
“Whilst these charges are a significant milestone within this investigation, this remains very much a live investigation and we continue to work with our partners from Lancashire Police and Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW),” Kennedy said in a statement. “I would like to thank all of the forces who have offered and supplied support to Merseyside Police during the last three days and I can confirm that we are being supported with investigative resources from across the North West.”
He is scheduled to appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court, Derby Square, on August 1.
Axel Rudakubana Sentenced for Murder After Stabbing Attack
The man charged with murder was later revealed to be Axel Rudakubana, who was 18 years old at the time of his sentencing in January 2025. Rudakubana was sentenced to 52 years in prison for the crime, the Associated Press reported on January 23, 2025.
During Rudakubana’s sentencing hearing, Judge Julian Goose called “it the most extreme, shocking and exceptionally serious crime.” He noted that the teen “wanted to try and carry out mass murder of innocent, happy young girls.”
Judge Goose stated that Rudakubana could not receive a sentence of life without parole because he was a minor at the time the crime was committed. However, he noted that Rudakubana must serve 52 years in prison, minus the six months that he has been in custody, before he can be considered for parole.
“It is likely he will never be released,” the judge added.
Has Taylor Swift Reacted to the Dance Class Tragedy in Southport?
Swift took to her Instagram Stories on July 30, 2024, to express her sorrow about the tragedy.
“The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is washing over me continuously, and I’m just completely in shock. The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families and the first responders,” she wrote in a text post. “These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.”
Who Else Has Responded to the Dance Class Tragedy in Southport?
Swift was not the only high-profile person to react to the stabbing.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla issued a statement saying they were “profoundly shocked” by the incident. “My wife and I have been profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident in Southport,” Charles said via the Royal Family’s Instagram page. “We send our most heartfelt condolences, prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who have so tragically lost their lives, and to all those affected by this truly appalling attack.”
Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton added that “as parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through.”
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reacted to the event by stating that the “whole country” was left “deeply shocked at what they’ve seen” in Southport.
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