Former Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot at while he was attending an election campaign in western Japan’s Nara city on Friday morning. Abe, who is the longest-serving prime minister in the country, was shot at by one of the onlookers who has been taken into custody.
Here’s what we know about the suspect so far:
Police have identified the suspect as Tetsuya Yamagami, reported Reuters. He is believed to be a resident of Nara City and has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder for shooting at Abe, reported Japanese media house NHK quoting police sources.
NHK quoted the suspect as telling police he was dissatisfied with Abe and wanted to kill him. The 41-year-old man is reported to be an ex-military member — a former maritime self-defence force member, reported Fuji TV.
Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was injured in an apparent gun attack while taking part in a campaign for the House of Councillors election in Nara City at about 11:30 a.m. on Friday. He suffered cardiopulmonary arrest and has been taken to hospital, according to firefighters. pic.twitter.com/SgKZEvZS9j
— The Japan News (@The_Japan_News) July 8, 2022
A witness to the attack told NHK that the apparent shooter did not attempt to escape after the shooting. He instead laid down the gun and remained on the spot as he was caught by security personnel.
Videos showed a man in a grey T-shirt and beige trousers, presumed to be Yamagami, being tackled by security personnel.
Meanwhile, the head of Japan’s hunters’ association told NHK that the weapon used in the attack was a self-modified gun. Police had earlier identified the weapon as a shotgun.
However, Sasaki Yohei of Dainihon Ryoyukai told NHK that the sound of the firing does not match that of a shotgun. Witnesses had reported hearing a “dry, popping sound,” said the Japanese media report.
Yohei also said that the amount of smoke spread after the shooting is too large for it to be an ordinary gun.
