An 18-year-old named McKenzie Morgan from Cwmbran, Wales, has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for planning a copycat attack on a children’s dance school in Southport and targeting an Oasis concert. Morgan, who turned 18 recently, created a note on his phone listing potential attack locations, including the dance school near his residence. He also expressed intentions to attack the Oasis gig in Cardiff, which took place on July 4 last year.
During the court proceedings at the Old Bailey, Morgan admitted to possessing a document useful for terrorism. He disclosed his desire to carry out a “Rudakubana-style attack” to a psychiatric nurse and mentioned attempting to create ricin, a deadly toxin. Axel Rudakubana, who received a 52-year jail term for killing three girls at a dance class in Southport in July 2024, was an influence on Morgan’s plans.
Authorities were alerted to Morgan’s activities when a Snapchat contact reported his messages praising Rudakubana and indicating his violent intentions. Concerns raised by his mother led to his referral to mental health services. Morgan disclosed to a nurse his violent thoughts and aspirations for an attack similar to Rudakubana’s.
Police arrested Morgan after discovering his online activities, including researching bombs and poisons, seeking to buy weapons, and identifying potential targets. Data from his electronic devices confirmed his proximity to the dance school before his arrest. Furthermore, Morgan’s interest in terrorist acts and attempts to acquire dangerous items were documented in his online communications.
Despite his claims of making statements for shock value and denying serious intentions, Morgan’s actions and online activities painted a concerning picture. His defense attorney emphasized Morgan’s lack of a violent past and emphasized the risk of self-harm or external harm to the defendant. The court acknowledged his remorse but deemed him a danger to both himself and others.
In her sentencing, Judge Sarah Whitehouse highlighted the need to supervise Morgan post-release due to his vulnerability to external influences. She noted that his actions appeared to mimic Rudakubana’s without clear ideological motivations. As part of his sentence, Morgan will be subject to a criminal behavior order upon release and additional supervision for a year.