Taylor Swift Breaks Silence on ‘Horrendous’ Attack at Dance Class Inspired by Her Music

Taylor Swift is breaking her silence after a children's dance class themed around the singer's music was targeted in the U.K. on Monday, July 29, in what Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy is calling "a ferocious attack."

The 34-year-old touring artist, who is currently performing her popular Eras Tour across Europe, issued a statement via her Instagram Stories early in the morning EST on Tuesday, July 30, writing: "The horror of yesterday's attack in Southport is washing over me continuously and I'm just in complete shock.. The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families, the first responders. 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."

According to CBS, three children have now been confirmed dead; a 6 and 7-year-old girl died during the attack, while a 9-year-old girl died in the hospital the following day. Five kids remain "seriously wounded" and two adults are also considered to be "in critical condition," all as a result of stab wounds.

A 17-year-old male has been arrested in connection with the attack, with the publication reporting he is under "suspicion of attempted murder and murder" in England.

CBS reported yesterday that investigators are still looking into the teen's motive and that the "incident is not currently being treated as terror-related," though many have taken to X in the wake of the attack with concerns about the county's increase in violence against women and children and compared this specific incident to the 2017 Manchester bombing at an Ariana Grande concert, "targeting predominately young girls."

A group of Swift's fans also came together shortly after news of the attack broke to raise money for the victims with the intention of sending Swift-themed merch to those being treated in the hospital. The organizers ultimately partnered with the Alder Hey Children's Charity to raise over ￡75,000 and counting to help cover the funeral costs for those who have passed and support their families.

Next: Olympian Anna Hall Reveals Bold Reaction to Taylor Swift's Show of Support