King Charles visits Southport stabbing victims – Taylor Swift-themed dance class
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King Charles visits Southport stabbing victims – Taylor Swift-themed dance class

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London – King Charles III is visiting Southport in northern England to pay tribute to the victims and families of those who witnessed a stabbing during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class last month.

Charles met some of the surviving children who were present at the attack on the classroom and their families on Tuesday. He spoke to and thanked representatives of local emergency services and community groups.

Three children, aged 6, 7 and 9, died in the attack on July 29. Two adults and eight children were also stabbed and released from hospital several days later, Merseyside Police said.

King Charles III views the tributes outside Southport Town Hall during his meeting with members of the local community following the July 29 attack on a children's dance class on August 20, 2024 in Southport, England.King Charles III views the tributes outside Southport Town Hall during his meeting with members of the local community following the July 29 attack on a children's dance class on August 20, 2024 in Southport, England.

King Charles III views the tributes outside Southport Town Hall during his meeting with members of the local community following the July 29 attack on a children’s dance class on August 20, 2024 in Southport, England.

King Charles III reacts as he watches the tributes outside Southport Town Hall while meeting with members of the local community, following the July 29 attack on a children's dance class in Southport, northwest England, on August 20, 2024.King Charles III reacts as he watches the tributes outside Southport Town Hall while meeting with members of the local community, following the July 29 attack on a children's dance class in Southport, northwest England, on August 20, 2024.

King Charles III reacts as he watches the tributes outside Southport Town Hall while meeting with members of the local community, following the July 29 attack on a children’s dance class in Southport, northwest England, on August 20, 2024.

BBC and The Telegraph reported that the stabbing took place at The Hart Space venue, a sold-out Swift party hosted by Enlighten Kids Yoga, a club for children aged 2 to 6.

A 17-year-old man was arrested on charges of murder and attempted murder. Police said they would not release the boy’s name because he is under 18.

Police warned at the time against misinformation regarding the arrest: “A name has been shared on social media in connection with the suspect in the Southport incident. This name is incorrect and we ask people not to speculate about details of the incident while the investigation is ongoing.”

Taylor Swift and her mother Meet the victims of the Southport stabbing behind the scenes at the Eras Tour

A friendship bracelet with inscription "Cruel summer" is pictured next to the memorial plaques for the murdered Alice Da Silva Aguiar. Bebe King and Elsie Dot Stancombe are pictured outside the town hall in Southport, north west England on August 20, 2024.A friendship bracelet with inscription "Cruel summer" is pictured next to the memorial plaques for the murdered Alice Da Silva Aguiar. Bebe King and Elsie Dot Stancombe are pictured outside the town hall in Southport, north west England on August 20, 2024.

A friendship bracelet with the inscription “Cruel Summer” is pictured next to memorial plaques for the murdered Alice Da Silva Aguiar, Bebe King and Elsie Dot Stancombe in front of the town hall in Southport, northwest England, on August 20, 2024.

The attack sparked nights of riots and racist attacks against Muslims and migrants in the UK after false online claims claimed the attack had been carried out by an Islamist migrant.

Charles praised the community spirit, compassion and resilience shown by the rioters in the face of aggression and criminality, and expressed the hope that mutual respect and understanding would continue to unite the nation.

On Monday, some of the families were invited backstage at the Eras Tour to meet the singer. A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

One of the moms, Sami Foster, shared a photo montage to Swift’s 1989 World Tour version of “Enchanted.” The mom captioned her TikTok, “You drew stars around my scars 💫 …. The biggest thank you to @Taylor Swift and her mom for giving us all the most magical night possible. Thank you for bringing pure happiness to Hope & Autumn last night and always 💗💗💗”

Contributors: Taijuan Moorman, Naledi Ushe, KiMi Robinson and Bryan West, USA TODAY Network; Alistair Smou, Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: King Charles visits victims of Southport attack

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