Reports from local media indicate that a stabbing and shooting attack in central Japan has resulted in the deaths of three individuals. The incident took place in Nakano, Nagano prefecture, where the alleged attacker is said to have first stabbed a woman and subsequently used a hunting rifle to fatally shoot two policemen. Another person sustained injuries during the attack.
The assailant is currently barricaded inside the residence of Nakano city assembly speaker. Gun violence remains exceptionally rare in Japan, despite the unfortunate killing of former prime minister Shinzo Abe in July of last year.
According to Japanese news agency Kyodo, police received a distress call at approximately 16:25 (07:25 GMT) reporting a man who had pursued and stabbed a woman. Witnesses described the attacker as wearing a camouflage uniform, along with a hat, sunglasses, and a mask. He allegedly proceeded to open fire on the responding police officers.
At the time of this report, the suspect remains holed up inside the residence of Masamichi Aoki, the city assembly speaker. While Japanese media suggests a possible familial connection between the suspect and the speaker, the police have yet to confirm the identity of the assailant.
Shinzo Abe, Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, was tragically killed last year, sending shockwaves through a nation where firearms are prohibited, and incidents of political violence are nearly unheard of.
In 2014, Japan experienced a mere six gun-related deaths, a stark contrast to the staggering figure of 33,599 gun-related deaths reported in the United States during the same period. Acquiring a firearm in Japan requires individuals to undergo rigorous examinations and mental health evaluations. Even then, only shotguns and air rifles are permitted for civilian ownership.
