A family support worker raised concerns about Axel Rudakubana's potential involvement in "left-wing extremist behaviours" when he was 15, the public inquiry into the Southport attack has heard. Louise Lewis documented these worries in November 2021 after a home visit where Rudakubana discussed politics, the American government, and the Taliban.
Lewis wrote that "There have also been concerns in relation to Axel's extreme thoughts around what is going on in the world and politics which could put Axel at risk of being involved in left-wing extremist behaviours and his thoughts being said in the wrong environment may make him vulnerable." The assessment followed observations that the teenager was "one-sided" in political discussions and didn't understand his opinions could upset others.
Prevent Programme Considered
Sharon Barrett, Lewis's supervisor, suggested involving Rudakubana's parents and potentially referring him to the government's anti-terror Prevent programme. Barrett noted: "There are some concerns about how extreme some of Axel's views are and the risk that this could pose so may also need to refer to Prevent."
The concerns emerged nearly three years before Rudakubana carried out the deadly attack on July 29, 2024. The then-17-year-old killed six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.
Earlier Warning Signs
The inquiry also heard evidence that Rudakubana dominated his household at age 13, with one police officer noting his parents were "still in denial" about concerning behavior. He had attacked another child with a hockey stick in December 2019, leading to contact with Lancashire County Council's Youth Justice Service.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
