A British teenager, Axel Rudakubana, 18, disrupted the start of his sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court for murdering three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event last July. He shouted from the dock that he was unwell before being removed from the courtroom.
Rudakubana admitted to carrying out the killings in Southport and pleaded guilty to 10 charges of attempted murder, producing ricin, and possessing an al Qaeda training manual.
During the sentencing, Rudakubana continued to interrupt the proceedings by expressing his discomfort, prompting his lawyer to explain that he was experiencing chest pains. Despite his objections, Judge Julian Goose declined to adjourn the sentencing, leading Rudakubana to be escorted out as he protested, eliciting a "coward" remark from the public gallery.
Prosecutor Deena Heer detailed the events of the murders, stressing that Rudakubana’s actions were not motivated by any political or religious beliefs. She noted, "His only purpose was to kill and he targeted the youngest, most vulnerable in order to spread the greatest level of fear and outrage, which he succeeded in doing."
Additionally, Heer mentioned that following the incident, Rudakubana was overheard at the police station expressing satisfaction with the children's deaths, stating, "It’s a good thing those children are dead ... I’m so glad ... so happy."