London: Six months after 18-year-old Axel Rudakubana fatally stabbed three girls at a dance class in Southport, questions linger over authorities' failure to recognize the threat he posed.

Rudakubana, born in Wales to Rwandan immigrants, pleaded guilty to murdering three girls, aged 6 to 9, and attempting to kill 10 others during a Taylor Swift-themed event. He will be sentenced Thursday.

Rudakubana's violent history included a 2019 assault conviction, multiple referrals to the UK's Prevent anti-extremism program, and police visits to his home. Despite evidence of his interest in terrorism, school shootings, and violent ideologies, counterterrorism police closed these cases without action. Authorities also found ricin, an "al-Qaida training manual," and extremist materials in his possession.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized outdated counterterrorism frameworks, which focus on ideological motives rather than the growing trend of “nihilistic violence” among youth. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced an inquiry into systemic failures.

Proposed changes include stricter knife purchase laws, enhanced online safety regulations, and reforms to counterterrorism strategies. Experts warn that tackling non-ideological violence and online extremism requires nuanced, adaptive approaches to protect vulnerable youth from radical influences.