This new £875,000 fund will address “antisemitism, Islamophobia and hate crime in all its forms.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced plans to fund “projects to tackle hate crime” after the 2024 murder of three English girls at a Taylor Swift dance class by 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, son of Rwanda immigrants. Khan said that this new £875,000 fund will address “antisemitism, Islamophobia and hate crime in all its forms.”
The “Military Studies in the Jihad Against the Tyrants: The Al-Qaeda Training Manual” was found among Rudakubana’s possessions, and he was also charged with creating the toxin ricin, which been used in deadly attacks. Rudakubana’s attack was not declared an act of terror by authorities. Prior to the attacks, he had been referred to the anti-terror governmental authority three times, had home visits, and been convicted of an assault on another child. The government has been accused of “withholding information.”
In announcing the funding, Khan referenced the July 29, 2024, attacks on schoolgirls attending a Taylor Swift dance class in Southport. He glossed over the brutal stabbing attack on the girls, three of whom ages 6 to 9 died from their injuries, and focused on the aftermath of that incident. Nearly 1,600 people were arrested over the riots and online commentary. At least 1,000 were charged and charges were still coming months after the riots.