Japan Ex-PM Shinzo Abe Shot Dead: Who Is Tetsuya Yamagami, The Suspected Shooter?

The attack on Shinzo Abe, probably the most recognisable Japanese politician in recent times, in a country that has some of the strictest gun control laws has shocked the world.

A man (bottom) suspected of shooting former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe is tackled to the ground by police at Yamato Saidaiji Station in the city of Nara

Source : AFP

A 41-year-old man, Tetsuya Yamagami, was identified by Japanese police officials as the suspected shooter who killed former Japan prime minister Shinzo Abe at a political campaign event on Friday. Yamagami has been arrested and taken into police custody. 

The attack on Abe, probably the most recognisable Japanese politician in recent times, in a country that has some of the strictest gun control laws has shocked the world.

Abe, 67, was shot from behind minutes after he started his speech in Nara while campaigning for the upcoming Upper House elections. He was airlifted to a hospital but was later pronounced dead. 

Here Is What We Know About The Shooter:

• Reports have identified the shooter as Tetsuya Yamagami. Visuals by Japanese media showed security guards leaping on top of Yamagami, wearing a gray shirt. He is then seen lying face down on a pavement overpowered by security officials.
• A report in BBC said the shooter made no attempt to run from the spot. A double-barreled device that appeared to be a handmade gun was seized from him.
• NHK, Japan's public broadcaster, reported that Yamagami is a former member of Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force, Japan's equivalent of Navy. The suspect served in the force for three years in the 2000s.
• NHK quoted Yamagami as telling the police that he was dissatisfied with Shinzo Abe and wanted to kill him.
• Owning a gun in Japan is extremely difficult. It requires no criminal record, mandatory training, psychological evaluation, and extensive background checks including police interviewing neighbours, BBC reported.