Photo: The Yomiuri Shimbun via AP Images
The shooting suspect in the death of former Japanese Prime MinisterShinzo Abeis reportedly citing personal reasons for the attack.
Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, who sustainedgunshot woundsduring a campaign speech in Nara, Japan, died on Friday morning local time.
Japan’s Kyodo news agency reported that Yamagami was convinced that Abe had promoted an unidentified religious group that his mother made donations to before running into financial trouble.
“My mother got wrapped up in a religious group and I resented it,” local outlet Kyodo quoted Yamagami as saying following the attack.
Katsuhiko Hirano/The Yomiuri Shimbun via AP
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The suspect reportedly spent months planning his attack, including attending other events where Abe spoke and making a gun at home. The 16-inch weapon was made from parts bought online, according to reports.
Local news has reported Yamagami lived in Nara city and once worked for Japan’s Maritime Self Defense Force. Neighbors who spoketo Reuterssaid Yamagami kept to himself and didn’t speak to people in his community.
Japan has one of the lowest rates of gun deaths in the world, according toBusiness Insider.
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Abe, 67, held the title of prime minister from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020, having also served as president of the Liberal Democratic Party for the latter time.
The British royals paid tribute to Abe on Friday.
“I wish to convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and to the people of Japan at this difficult time.”
source: people.com
