Japanese Police Investigate Terror Attack on Prime Minister Kishida...Suspect Invokes Right to Remain Silent

Investigation of Suspect in Their 20s' Residence

Japanese police are intensifying their investigation into a male suspect in his 20s who threw an explosive device at Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

According to foreign media on the 16th, Wakayama Prefectural Police searched the home of suspect Yuji Kimura (24) in Kawanishi City, Hyogo Prefecture. Kimura was arrested on charges of obstruction of business by force.

On the morning of the 15th, a man who threw an explosive device just before Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's speech in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, was being arrested. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Wakayama Prefectural Police secured an object similar to the explosive device thrown by the suspect at the scene on the 15th and are currently investigating it. Kimura threw a silver canister toward Prime Minister Kishida, who was preparing for a speech around 11:30 a.m., and was immediately subdued. The distance between Kimura and Prime Minister Kishida was about 10 meters, and the silver canister exploded approximately 50 seconds after being thrown.

Prime Minister Kishida was protected by security guards and evacuated without injury. There were no injuries among the audience, and one male police officer in his 30s sustained minor wounds. Kimura is reportedly exercising his right to remain silent, stating he will speak once his lawyer arrives.