Investigators: Suspect In Abe Killing Wanted To Attack Religious Group Leader
Investigators in the killing of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe say the suspect had wanted to attack a religious group leader.
Abe was shot while he was making a campaign speech on Friday in Nara City, western Japan. The suspect, 41-year-old Yamagami Tetsuya, was arrested on the spot.
He told police that his mother became an avid follower of the religious group and made huge donations to it, which ruined the family's life. The suspect also said he believed Abe was close to the group.
Investigative sources told NHK the suspect told them that he had long targeted the head of the group.
He reportedly said that when the leader came to Japan from South Korea several years ago, the suspect visited a venue in Aichi Prefecture, carrying a fire bomb. He said he could not enter the venue because it was off limits to non-followers.
The sources also said the suspect stated that he walked around facilities where the group held a meeting, carrying a knife.