There are disturbing signs of a possible attraction to terrorism in the profile of the 18-year-old who, at the end of July, carried out a knife attack on young girls in Southport, near Liverpool. This tragic event caused a great shock in the United Kingdom, also generating violent riots in the summer fueled by suspicion and manipulation. The perpetrator of the massacre, Axel Rudakubana, born in the United Kingdom to Rwandan parents, has also been charged with breaching the British Terrorism Act 2000, in addition to the already disputed charges of multiple murder and attempted murder.

Police found traces of ricin, a highly dangerous biological toxin that the young man had attempted to synthesize in a rudimentary way. They also found that he had online terrorist training manuals created by Al Qaeda. Merseyside Police Chief Serena Kennedy confirmed that this material was found in the home of the boy, who was a minor at the time of the incident. However, she reiterated that there was no direct terrorist motive for the attack.

Rudakubana indiscriminately attacked a group of girls between the ages of 6 and 10 during a dance performance inspired by songs by pop star Taylor Swift, causing the death of three girls and injuring ten others, as well as two teachers. However, the police statements do not allay the doubts surrounding this case and risk rekindling controversy and tension. The young man will soon appear by video link from prison before a judge to face the new charges.

The incident has sparked criticism of law enforcement and the Labour government, who have been accused of downplaying the incident and hiding important details. Tensions have been amplified by public figures such as Nigel Farage and Elon Musk, along with other far-right figures, who have fueled a series of anti-immigration and Islamophobic riots in cities across the UK. These events have led to numerous arrests.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned the riots as the work of “thugs” and provocateurs. False reports have also emerged about the young killer’s alleged refugee origins or his Muslim roots. The recent terrorism charge against Rudakubana could now further reignite the controversy surrounding this complex case. Farage has used the opportunity to call for greater clarity in the investigation, while the government has sought to distance itself from the timing of the new charges.