In connection with the attack on Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Japanese authorities are concentrating on analyzing the confiscated items obtained through a house search and seizure of suspect Ryuji Kimura (24, 24). In particular, the focus is on confirming the power of the explosives used during the terrorism, and it is reported that the application of attempted murder charges is also being reviewed.
According to local media such as Japan’s NHK on the 18th, the Japanese police began an investigation on the 17th to check the structure of the explosives in the form of silver barrels confiscated from the site and the power when they exploded.
Powder and metal pipes that appear to be gunpowder were found at the home of suspect Kimura, and the police are investigating the explosive as a homemade bomb.
In the event that an explosive was thrown at Prime Minister Kishida, who came to support the election at the port of Wakayama City, a dent was confirmed on the wall of a warehouse about 40 meters away, and a barrel-shaped thing that appeared to have exploded was found right next to it, the Japanese police said. We believe that there is a possibility that the explosives hit the wall directly, and we are investigating in detail.
In some cases, the possibility of applying charges of attempted murder is emerging, citing the fact that Kimura was in possession of a knife with a blade length of about 13 cm at the time of his arrest. At the time Kimura was arrested as a red-handed criminal, charges of obstruction of business were applied.
Jiji News reported, “There is a possibility that the knife was intended to be used as a weapon at the scene, so the police are investigating the purpose of possession.”
The silver barrel that exploded just before Kimura was caught by the police took another barrel out of his carry-on bag and held it in his hand. He also had a lighter, and police believe he threw the first barrel at the prime minister and then tried to ignite the second. The second barrel remained at the site without exploding, and Japanese media reported that it was also confirmed that it was a string-shaped fuse wire about 20 cm long.
The Kimura suspect waited for Prime Minister Kishida to arrive at the speech venue, saw the Prime Minister’s official car passing by, and then approached the speech venue. A video recorded on CCTV was also released. In addition, it is pointed out that it is highly likely that the crime was premeditated with murder in mind, considering that he carried extra explosives at the speech hall and attempted additional terrorism after throwing explosives.
Yomiuri said, “Powder and metal barrels that appear to be gunpowder were confiscated from Kimura’s home, and it was also confirmed that the exploded barrels flew about 40 meters away.” We are investigating whether or not he has the ability.”
Japanese police confiscated about 90 items, including metal barrels and tools that may have been used in the pipe bomb, during a search of the Kimura suspect’s home.
Source: Donga
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