What happened at the Taylor Swift-themed event in England? Singer shares message addressing the devastating attack

A Taylor Swift themed event held at a dance studio in Merseyside, Southport, England was mitness to a mass stabbing event that led to the death of two children and the injuring of nine other children as well as two adults on July 29, 2024. The event was being held for children from 6 to 11 years old.

According to statements made by the police, the attacker was a 17 year old young man who was armed with a knife. Merseyside Police’s Chief Constable Serena Kennedy stated the following in her general press statement after the incident:

"It is with great sadness that today I am here to advise that two young children have died as a result of injuries sustained in a knife attack this morning. Nine other children have been injured, and six of them are in a critical condition, all those injured have suffered stab wounds sustained during the attack."

The constable continued:

"Two adults are also in a critical condition after being injured during the incident. It is understood that the children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a dance school when the offender, who was armed with a knife, walked into the premises and started to attack those inside."

The constable ended the statement on the note that as a mother and grandmother, she could not fathom the pain of the families of the lost ones and that she sends them her sympathy and condolences.

---

Taylor Swift responds to Southport tragedy

Taylor Swift responded to the Southport tragedy with a message on a Instagram story page, which was later screen grabbed by dedicated Taylor Swift fan X pages. The singer expressed her shock and dismay at the attack, stating:

"The horror of yesterday's attack on Southport is washing over me continuously and I'm just completely in shock. The loss of life and innocence and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families, and the first responders."

The singer continued:

These were little kids at a dance studio. I am at a complete loss for how ever to convey my sympathies to these families."

The police have so far confirmed that there is likely no further threat and are treating it as an isolated incident.No motive or reason has been revealed behind the attack by the 17 year old unnamed assailant.

The class which was attacked was being run by dance teacher Leanne Lucas, who is among the adults who were injured during the attack. Her condition has not been revealed by authorities as of the writing of this article.

The singer's fans, known as Swifties, also responded to the incident. The UK and EU Taylor Swift Facebook group created a fundraiser for the families affected by the incident and have so far raised £28,000.

Alongside Leanne Lucas, another adult who attempted to intervene was Jonathan Hayes, a local business age 63. He underwent surgery after being injured while intervening.

The local football team, Southport FC, opened up their community lounge and provided specialists for those who needed it after the incident. The team also cancelled their match against Morecambe FC.

Alongisde local tributes, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper flew to the afflicted town to pay her respects to the victims of the tragedy and their families. A vigil will be held on July 30, 2024 at nighttime for the victims.