Mother of Southport victim shares the nine words said before attack. Elsie attended class after a spot opened up.
The Taylor Swift dance class became a site of violence. Axel Rudakubana launched an attack there. Elsie only attended because a spot opened up. Jenni forgot to buy a ticket for the event. The class was sold out. Elsie really loved Taylor Swift songs.
Teacher Leanne Lucas let Elsie join anyway. Jenni asked Leanne if Elsie could attend. Leanne said she could. “I’ll always have a place for Elsie,” she replied. Jenni thinks about that sentence constantly.
She wished Elsie hadn’t gone. It also makes her wish it on no one else. Jenni dropped Elsie off at the class that day. She then received a call from another mom. The mom said “something awful” happened.
Jenni and her husband rushed to the class. They sped through red lights to get there. They soon left their car abandoned in the street. Elsie’s dad, David, heard someone talking there. The person said two people died. The number later rose to three.
David described the awful scene’s impact then. He also said no one should see that suffering. Bebe King, age six, was also murdered there. Bebe’s mother spoke about her sadness. “I literally just think they’re angels,” she said.
Bebe connected with people very easily. Plus, Bebe had special family relationships. She had a natural kindness, and a bright spark. The families support a public inquiry. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced it last month. Police missed chances to stop Rudakubana, some allege.
After the attack, Jenni spoke about her grief. She said Southport needs to know what led to it. Rudakubana pleaded guilty to the crimes committed. The community hopes the inquiry brings answers.