Chilling warnings from the brother of Southport attacker Axel Rudakubanas went unheeded weeks before the devastating knife rampage that claimed three young lives, a major inquiry has revealed.
The 17-year-old's older sibling had explicitly warned mental health services that he feared his brother would kill their father during violent outbursts at their family home. These desperate pleas for intervention came just weeks before Rudakubanas carried out his deadly attack in Southport.
Missed Opportunities
During emotional testimony at the inquiry, the brother described multiple occasions where he had contacted professionals expressing grave concerns about his brother's deteriorating mental state and escalating violent behaviour.
"I told them I was scared he was going to kill my dad," the brother revealed, his voice trembling with emotion. "The threats were specific, they were frequent, and they were becoming more serious."
Systemic Failures Exposed
The inquiry has uncovered multiple points where intervention might have prevented the tragedy:
- Mental health services received multiple warnings from family members
- Specific threats against family members were documented but not acted upon
- Rudakubanas's escalating behaviour patterns were noted but not adequately addressed
- Communication breakdowns between different agencies prevented a coordinated response
A Community in Mourning
The Southport community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the attacks that shocked the nation. Three children lost their lives in the senseless violence, while others sustained serious injuries during the incident at a community event.
Local residents have expressed anger and frustration that clear warning signs were apparently ignored, with many calling for urgent reforms to mental health crisis intervention protocols.
Call for Change
The ongoing inquiry is expected to deliver recommendations for substantial changes in how mental health services respond to threats of violence from individuals known to the system.
As one bereaved parent told the hearing: "We need to ensure no other family has to endure this nightmare. When someone cries for help, they must be heard."
