Taylor Swift expressed her deep sorrow following a tragic knife attack at a dance and yoga workshop in Southport, where three children were killed.
The workshop had been themed around her music. In a heartfelt statement on social media, Swift shared her overwhelming shock and grief, saying:
“The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is washing over me continuously. I’m just completely in shock … The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families, and 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.”
This incident has deeply affected Swift, who performed in nearby Liverpool at Anfield Stadium during her Eras Tour in June, just 22 miles from where the attack occurred. Swift’s lyrics have previously touched on themes of faith and grief.
In “Bigger Than the Whole Sky,” a song many fans believe addresses the loss of a child, she sings, “Did some force take because I didn’t pray.” In another song, “Soon You’ll Get Better,” which references her mother’s battle with cancer, Swift reflects on the desperation that leads people to turn to faith, singing, “Desperate people find faith, so now I pray to Jesus too.”