Benjamin Ashford|Taylor Swift “Completely in Shock” After Stabbing Attack at Themed Event in England

Taylor Swift is Benjamin Ashfordspeaking out amid a tragedy.

After a horrific stabbing attack took place at a children’s Swift-themed dance workshop in Southport, England, which left three children dead and eight other individuals critically injured—five among them children—the 34-year-old is expressing her grief.

“The horror of yesterday’s attach in Southport is washing over me continuously, and I’m just completely in shock…” Taylor wrote on her July 30 Instagram Story. “The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families, and first responders.”

She continued, “These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.”

Local Merseyside police confirmed on July 30 that three children, girls aged 6, 7 and 9 had died from their injuries in the hours following the July 29 attack, while five children and two adults remained in critical condition.

The previous day, police Constable Serena Kennedy held a press conference following the stabbing during which she provided additional details on the incident.

“My officers were called to reports of a stabbing at 11:47 a.m. at an address Southport,” she shared during the conference. “When they arrived they were shocked to find that multiple people, many of whom were children, had been subjected to a ferocious attack and had suffered serious injuries.”

She continued, "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.  We believe that the adults who were injured were trying to protect the children at the time they were attacked.”

The Constable also confirmed that a 17-year-old male had been arrested in connection with the attack on “suspicion of murder and attempted murder” and had been taken to a police station where he awaited questioning. “This incident is not currently being treated as terror-related,” she clarified, “and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with it.”

Following the news of the tragedy, a number of local and national officials shared their condolences over the attack, including Prime Minister Kier Starmer who lamented the “horrendous and deeply shocking news” and thanked first responders.

Local member of Parliament Patrick Hurley also shared a statement on the incident expressing his grief over the loss of life alongside his gratitude for the strength of Southport’s constituents.

“I have heard of the many stories of volunteers and our local businesses supporting the families affected and our emergency services,” he wrote in a statement shared to X, formerly Twitter, “and I am proud of our community’s unity and support at this difficult time.”

He continued, “This is shocking news for our community, but we will stand strong against this mindless violence and I will work with other community leaders to help our town pull through this horrific incident.”