The main suspect in Saturday’s suspected homemade bomb attack on Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was brought to justice on Monday as investigations against him continue.
The 24-year-old, identified as Ryuji Kimura, is from Hyogo Prefecture and was arrested on Saturday just after the incident took place. Authorities are now investigating whether he threw two cylindrical objects at the president, who was unharmed, and whether he had made a homemade bomb.
The device, which exploded shortly after it was thrown and emitted white smoke, was detected by officers on the spot, although a second similar device was later found among the suspect’s possessions, according to The Japan Times.
Investigators now consider these items to be homemade bombs and have warned that Kimura was also carrying a knife. Security forces have also seized a cell phone and a lighter.
The agents proceeded to search Kimura’s home, an operation which lasted eight hours and which led to the discovery of gunpowder, materials for the manufacture of explosives and other objects.
The incident, which took place in the city of Wakayama, comes less than a year after former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated during a rally, an issue that has called into question the security of politicians and high-ranking officials in the country.
Kishida himself assured on Sunday that »violent acts» against election candidates will not be tolerated and has urged increased security measures during the campaign.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
