Southport Inquiry Reveals Family's Fears Before Tragic Dance Workshop Attack
Published 4 November 2025
Highlights
- Axel Rudakubana, 17, killed three children at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop on July 29, 2024.
- His brother, Dion Rudakubana, feared Axel would kill someone two years before the attack, citing violent outbursts.
- Dion described Axel's behavior as "unpredictable and inconsistent," leading to police involvement on multiple occasions.
- The Southport inquiry revealed Dion's parents had "lost control" of Axel, with a heavy risk if they attempted to punish him.
- Dion compared Axel to a sociopathic character from the film No Country for Old Men, highlighting his concerns.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Southport Inquiry Reveals Family's Fears Before Tragic Dance Workshop Attack
The Southport inquiry has unveiled harrowing details about the family dynamics and escalating violence that preceded the tragic attack by Axel Rudakubana, who killed three children at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop on July 29, 2024. The inquiry, held at Liverpool Town Hall, heard from Axel's brother, Dion Rudakubana, who expressed fears about his sibling's potential for violence long before the incident.
Family Dynamics and Early Warnings
Dion Rudakubana, speaking via video link from a confidential location, revealed that he had been concerned about his brother's behavior for years. He described Axel's violent outbursts, which intensified after his expulsion from Range High School in October 2019. Dion, who was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder at age 12, noted that the family's move from Cardiff to Southport seemed to exacerbate Axel's mood swings and aggression.
Escalating Violence and Police Involvement
The inquiry was presented with messages Dion sent to a friend, highlighting his fears of Axel committing a potentially fatal act. Dion recounted incidents where police were called due to Axel's unpredictable behavior. He described the atmosphere at home as tense, with family members taking precautions such as hiding knives to mitigate risks.
A Brother's Fears and Comparisons
Dion drew a chilling comparison between Axel and a sociopathic character from the film No Country for Old Men, underscoring his anxiety about the threat Axel posed within the family home. Despite these fears, Dion admitted he did not report his concerns to social services or the police, as the situation had been gradually worsening over time.
Parental Struggles and Loss of Control
The inquiry also shed light on the struggles faced by Axel's parents, Alphonse Rudakubana and Laetitia Muzayire, who are set to testify later. Dion confirmed that his parents had "lost control" of Axel, and any attempts to discipline him carried significant risks. The inquiry continues to explore the complex family dynamics and warning signs that preceded the tragic events of July 2024.
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Scenario Analysis
As the Southport inquiry progresses, the testimonies of Axel's parents will likely provide further insight into the family dynamics and their attempts to manage Axel's behavior. The inquiry's findings could prompt discussions on the role of social services and law enforcement in identifying and intervening in similar cases of domestic violence and mental health issues. Additionally, the case may influence future policies on how families and communities can better support individuals with behavioral challenges, potentially preventing such tragedies.
The Southport inquiry has unveiled harrowing details about the family dynamics and escalating violence that preceded the tragic attack by Axel Rudakubana, who killed three children at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop on July 29, 2024. The inquiry, held at Liverpool Town Hall, heard from Axel's brother, Dion Rudakubana, who expressed fears about his sibling's potential for violence long before the incident.
Family Dynamics and Early Warnings
Dion Rudakubana, speaking via video link from a confidential location, revealed that he had been concerned about his brother's behavior for years. He described Axel's violent outbursts, which intensified after his expulsion from Range High School in October 2019. Dion, who was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder at age 12, noted that the family's move from Cardiff to Southport seemed to exacerbate Axel's mood swings and aggression.
Escalating Violence and Police Involvement
The inquiry was presented with messages Dion sent to a friend, highlighting his fears of Axel committing a potentially fatal act. Dion recounted incidents where police were called due to Axel's unpredictable behavior. He described the atmosphere at home as tense, with family members taking precautions such as hiding knives to mitigate risks.
A Brother's Fears and Comparisons
Dion drew a chilling comparison between Axel and a sociopathic character from the film No Country for Old Men, underscoring his anxiety about the threat Axel posed within the family home. Despite these fears, Dion admitted he did not report his concerns to social services or the police, as the situation had been gradually worsening over time.
Parental Struggles and Loss of Control
The inquiry also shed light on the struggles faced by Axel's parents, Alphonse Rudakubana and Laetitia Muzayire, who are set to testify later. Dion confirmed that his parents had "lost control" of Axel, and any attempts to discipline him carried significant risks. The inquiry continues to explore the complex family dynamics and warning signs that preceded the tragic events of July 2024.
What this might mean
As the Southport inquiry progresses, the testimonies of Axel's parents will likely provide further insight into the family dynamics and their attempts to manage Axel's behavior. The inquiry's findings could prompt discussions on the role of social services and law enforcement in identifying and intervening in similar cases of domestic violence and mental health issues. Additionally, the case may influence future policies on how families and communities can better support individuals with behavioral challenges, potentially preventing such tragedies.
