"Japanese Shooter Arrived 1.5 Hours Before Abe's Campaign Rally, Surveyed Area... Walked Around Holding a Drink"

Tetsuya Yamagami, who shot and killed former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Tetsuya Yamagami (41), who shot and killed former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during a campaign for the House of Councillors election in Japan, reportedly arrived at the scene one and a half hours before the incident to survey the surroundings in advance, NHK and others reported on the 11th.

According to the reports, police confirmed through CCTV that Yamagami arrived at the scene around 10 a.m. on the 8th and wandered around nearby shopping malls. The police are investigating, believing that he moved around suspiciously to avoid drawing attention while scouting the area. NHK also reported that Yamagami admitted to arriving early in his statement.

Former Prime Minister Abe began his campaign support speech at 11:30 a.m. on the 8th, and two minutes later, he was shot by Yamagami and collapsed. He was immediately taken to the hospital but died at 5:03 p.m. Yomiuri reported that CCTV footage confirmed Yamagami moving around carrying a drink after arriving early at the scene.

Jiji Press cited investigative sources reporting that the suspect also visited the site of Abe’s speech in Okayama City on the 7th, the day before the incident. Since Abe’s speech schedule was publicly announced online, the police believe he planned in advance and was looking for an opportunity to attack.

The suspect reportedly decided to commit the crime after seeing a video message sent by former Prime Minister Abe to a religious group his mother had left. According to foreign media, during police questioning, he mentioned the name of a specific religious organization and stated, "My mother was a believer and donated a large sum of money, which led to bankruptcy. I was resentful and believed she must be punished." Initially, he targeted the leader of the religious group but, finding it difficult to approach, he changed his target to former Prime Minister Abe, believing that "Abe spread this religion throughout Japan."