The man suspected of murdering former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is said to have initially planned a bomb attack. The Japanese news agency reports that Kyodo based on sources involved in the investigation. It is unknown why the suspect saw this.
Tetsuya Yamagami, 41, shot Abe dead in the city of Nara on Friday. The former prime minister was addressing voters there on behalf of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), in the run-up to Sunday’s Senate elections. The suspect used a hand-crafted firearm. Police found several firearms and explosives in his home.
A lot of uncertainty
Much is still unclear about the assassination attempt. For example, whether the suspect had ordered parts of the handmade weapon on the internet, whether it is a 3D-printed weapon, and whether the bullet was also handmade.
According to Japanese media, the suspect said that his weapon could fire six bullets at a time.
According to the police, the man harbored a grudge against a religious organization, which Abe believed to have promoted. The police cannot say which organization it is, but an investigation is still being conducted. Investigations are also underway as to why the suspect targeted Abe and whether he acted alone.
Abe’s body was transferred from Nara to his home in Tokyo on Saturday. Japanese media report that a vigil will be held on Monday evening and that the former prime minister will be buried a day later in the presence of close family and associates.