# Breaking: Former Japanese PM Abe assassination attempt (2022-07-07) Update: Abe has died (2022-07-08) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Tags:** breaking-news\ **Created:** [July 8, 2022, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-former-japanese-pm-abe-assassination-attempt-2022-07-07-update-abe-has-died-2022-07-08/967596 "2022-07-08T03:10:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2022, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-former-japanese-pm-abe-assassination-attempt-2022-07-07-update-abe-has-died-2022-07-08/967596/21 "2022-07-08T04:44:59Z")
Who thinks that? Strict firearm laws = reduced civilian ownership. I doubt anyone thinks as you say they think. ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2022, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-former-japanese-pm-abe-assassination-attempt-2022-07-07-update-abe-has-died-2022-07-08/967596/22 "2022-07-08T04:45:19Z")
> [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](#): > > I’m seeing a report the gunman has been apprehended and is a 42yo male. I would not have guessed that old from the Twitter photo linked above. The clothes and hairstyle and general body shape look like someone much younger. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2022, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-former-japanese-pm-abe-assassination-attempt-2022-07-07-update-abe-has-died-2022-07-08/967596/23 "2022-07-08T04:48:02Z")
> [@Roderick\_Femm](#): > > He had a long term of office and was effective in making changes to the country’s economics (hence the rubric “Abe-nomics” that was common during his term - note that the name is pronounced in two syllables, like Ah-beh), so there is a good chance that he was still pulling some strings behind the scenes as a power broker. Senate elections are on Sunday and, while he’s not up for reelection myself (as I erroneously stated in the other thread - he’s an MP in the lower house), he was giving a speech in support of the LDP’s candidates at the time of the shooting. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2022, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-former-japanese-pm-abe-assassination-attempt-2022-07-07-update-abe-has-died-2022-07-08/967596/24 "2022-07-08T05:28:06Z")
The latest I’m seeing is that Abe was still alive as of about an hour ago and that the shooter is a 3-year Navy veteran who was discharged in 2008. > **[安倍元首相銃撃 “宗教団体の関連施設で試し撃ち”【詳細】 | NHK](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20220708/k10013707601000.html)** > > 【NHK】安倍元総理大臣が奈良市で演説中に銃で撃たれて死亡した事件で、逮捕された容疑者が調べに対し「恨みがあった特定の宗教団体の関… ---
**Author:** ![Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b487fb/32.png) [@Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walken_After_Midnight)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2022, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-former-japanese-pm-abe-assassination-attempt-2022-07-07-update-abe-has-died-2022-07-08/967596/25 "2022-07-08T05:44:43Z")
From the article: > [@](#): > > A woman who was nearby at the time of the shooting said, “Former Prime Minister Abe was giving a speech normally, but a man came from behind. The first shot heard only a very loud sound and the person did not fall down. However, the moment the second shot was shot, former Prime Minister Abe collapsed.” In the video of the incident, the shooter can be seen in one frame about 10 meters away from Abe. The first shot, I’m guessing, did not hit Abe. The second shot happened a couple of seconds later, when the camera shooting the video had dipped down, so that was Abe out of view. I presume that shot hit Abe. The “homemade” gun, I assume, was capable of only two shots - one for each barrel - as it looks quite crude. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2022, 5:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-former-japanese-pm-abe-assassination-attempt-2022-07-07-update-abe-has-died-2022-07-08/967596/26 "2022-07-08T05:54:32Z")
The PM is now speaking and answering questions from the media (live English dub). [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/lrnX36ce0kg/hqdefault.jpg "Live: Japanese PM Fumio Kishida gives address after Abe shooting") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrnX36ce0kg) ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2022, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-former-japanese-pm-abe-assassination-attempt-2022-07-07-update-abe-has-died-2022-07-08/967596/27 "2022-07-08T06:20:33Z")
This is apparently a snap of the moment Yamagami was seized by a security officer. (Get the Pulitzer ready.) [![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FXH4WEhXgAE_xb8?format=jpg&name=small) ](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FXH4WEhXgAE_xb8?format=jpg&name=small) Judging from the fact that there’s still a cloud of smoke lingering in the air, I’m gonna guess his ammo (and possibly gunpowder) was homemade as well as the gun. Also, not quite sure what to make of this, but it looks like he’s wearing his mask with his nose sticking out. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2022, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-former-japanese-pm-abe-assassination-attempt-2022-07-07-update-abe-has-died-2022-07-08/967596/28 "2022-07-08T07:58:56Z")
Abe is currently receiving a blood transfusion, per his brother, the Minister of Defence. [https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/shinzo-abe-receiving-blood-transfusion-japans-former-pm-still-in-critical-condition-a475/](https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/shinzo-abe-receiving-blood-transfusion-japans-former-pm-still-in-critical-condition-a475/) ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2022, 8:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-former-japanese-pm-abe-assassination-attempt-2022-07-07-update-abe-has-died-2022-07-08/967596/29 "2022-07-08T08:14:51Z")
**Moderator Note** > [@AK84](#): > > People really need to stop thinking strict firearm laws= No civilian ownership. > [@pulykamell](#): > > Who thinks that? Strict firearm laws = reduced civilian ownership. I doubt anyone thinks as you say they think. > [@flurb](#): > > I predict that this incident will rapidly be pointed to by conservatives as evidence that gun control does not work. While some discussion of the weapon involved is appropriate given the circumstances, this is starting to head off in the direction of a more general gun law debate, which is inappropriate in a breaking news thread. Feel free to continue this discussion elsewhere if you’d like. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2022, 8:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-former-japanese-pm-abe-assassination-attempt-2022-07-07-update-abe-has-died-2022-07-08/967596/30 "2022-07-08T08:21:43Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > This is apparently a snap of the moment Yamagami was seized by a security officer. (Get the Pulitzer ready.) This is the one I saw on a site earlier. [![](https://i.imgur.com/WL2Ihj0.jpeg) ](https://i.imgur.com/WL2Ihj0.jpeg) I thought it was one of the goofiest-looking serious historical photos ever. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2022, 8:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-former-japanese-pm-abe-assassination-attempt-2022-07-07-update-abe-has-died-2022-07-08/967596/31 "2022-07-08T08:24:30Z")
> [@Darren\_Garrison](#): > > I thought it was one of the goofiest-looking serious historical photos ever. It’s definitely the equal of this classic photo of Secret Service agent Robert Wanko (and what a name that is), with fancy Italian shoes and porno 'stashe, cocking his Uzi during the Reagan assassination attempt. [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0a/Photograph_of_chaos_outside_the_Washington_Hilton_Hotel_after_the_assassination_attempt_on_President_Reagan_%28white_border_removed%29.jpg/1920px-Photograph_of_chaos_outside_the_Washington_Hilton_Hotel_after_the_assassination_attempt_on_President_Reagan_%28white_border_removed%29.jpg) ](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0a/Photograph_of_chaos_outside_the_Washington_Hilton_Hotel_after_the_assassination_attempt_on_President_Reagan_%28white_border_removed%29.jpg/1920px-Photograph_of_chaos_outside_the_Washington_Hilton_Hotel_after_the_assassination_attempt_on_President_Reagan_%28white_border_removed%29.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2022, 8:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-former-japanese-pm-abe-assassination-attempt-2022-07-07-update-abe-has-died-2022-07-08/967596/32 "2022-07-08T08:29:25Z")
Before I was looking at the shooter’s legs pinwheeling in the air and the old guy riding by on a bicycle, but I only just now noticed that the man on the far left holding the bag _isn’t touching the ground_. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2022, 8:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-former-japanese-pm-abe-assassination-attempt-2022-07-07-update-abe-has-died-2022-07-08/967596/33 "2022-07-08T08:58:58Z")
Abe is dead. > **[Shinzo Abe death: shock in Japan at killing of former PM during election...](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/08/shinzo-abe-japans-former-prime-minister-dies-after-being-shot?CMP=twt_gu&utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium#Echobox=1657270489)** > > Police believe attacker bore grudge against Abe as some critics question level of security surrounding Japan’s longest-serving PM ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2022, 10:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-former-japanese-pm-abe-assassination-attempt-2022-07-07-update-abe-has-died-2022-07-08/967596/34 "2022-07-08T10:48:58Z")
Not sure what to make of this - according to one of Japan’s leading papers, Yamagami has stated during interrogation that he actually intended to kill “an executive of a particular religious group”, who was not actually present during Abe’s speech. > **[安倍元首相銃撃の容疑者「特定の宗教団体幹部を狙っていた」と供述 | 毎日新聞](https://mainichi.jp/articles/20220708/k00/00m/040/251000c)** > > 　安倍晋三元首相が奈良市内で参院選の応援演説中に銃撃された事件で、殺人未遂容疑で現行犯逮捕された山上徹也容疑者（41）＝奈良市大宮町3＝が容疑を認めていることが捜査関係者への取材で明らかになった。特定の宗教団体幹部の名前を挙げ、「この幹部を狙うつもりだった」という趣旨の不自然な供述をしていることも判 I’m thinking at this point that the assassin is either a dedicated political fanatic, an absolute lunatic, or some combination of both. ---
**Author:** ![Coriolanus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coriolanus/32/18769_2.png) [@Coriolanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coriolanus)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2022, 11:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-former-japanese-pm-abe-assassination-attempt-2022-07-07-update-abe-has-died-2022-07-08/967596/35 "2022-07-08T11:00:32Z")
The firearm is similar to a [Diablo 12 Gauge Double Barreled Blackpowder Shotgun](https://americanguncraft.com/product/diablo-break-open-12-gauge-pistol-black-grips/), a rather handsome thing I could have made many years ago in my father’s machine shop. That, some black powder and shot and you’ve got two shots from each barrel. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2022, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-former-japanese-pm-abe-assassination-attempt-2022-07-07-update-abe-has-died-2022-07-08/967596/36 "2022-07-08T11:16:31Z")
Wow. Just wow. I recall that Abe was quite the Elvis fan. I hope he got to see the new movie. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2022, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-former-japanese-pm-abe-assassination-attempt-2022-07-07-update-abe-has-died-2022-07-08/967596/37 "2022-07-08T11:51:08Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > The only other notable assassination in modern Japanese history that I can think of was carried out with a sword. Speaking of swords, there is also the case of Yukio Mishima. He was a well known writer who tried to stage a coup in 1970, he wanted Imperial rule reinstated. The coup failed and Mishima committed seppuku. ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2022, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-former-japanese-pm-abe-assassination-attempt-2022-07-07-update-abe-has-died-2022-07-08/967596/38 "2022-07-08T13:05:56Z")
> [@Darren\_Garrison](#): > > I thought it was one of the goofiest-looking serious historical photos ever. A lot of heat-of-the-moment action photos by journalism photographers turn out this way. This book: > **[Moments in Time: 60... by Associated Press News Photographers](https://www.amazon.com/Moments-Time-Years-Associated-Photos/dp/0681453311)** > > Moments in Time: 60 Years of Associated Press News Photos \[Associated Press News Photographers\] on Amazon.com. \*FREE\* shipping on qualifying offers. Moments in Time: 60 Years of Associated Press News Photos appears to be out of print now, but it contains a lot of photos with that same quality. It includes **[a photo of Asanuma’s assassination in 1960](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassination_of_Inejir%C5%8D_Asanuma#/media/File:Tokyo_Stabbing.jpg)**, the same one in the Wikipedia article Smapti linked to upthread. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2022, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-former-japanese-pm-abe-assassination-attempt-2022-07-07-update-abe-has-died-2022-07-08/967596/39 "2022-07-08T13:42:50Z")
Wow, Japan is one of the few places left that where something like this didn’t happen. It’s especially sad because Abe was out of office. Just a regular guy giving a speech and expressing his opinions. ---
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2022, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-former-japanese-pm-abe-assassination-attempt-2022-07-07-update-abe-has-died-2022-07-08/967596/40 "2022-07-08T14:03:47Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > It’s especially sad because Abe was out of office. Just a regular guy giving a speech and expressing his opinions. While no longer Prime Minister, Abe continued to serve as a member of the Japanese House of Representatives and was still a very influential figure within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Not saying that’s why he was assassinated – early reports look like this guy may have been a nutjob. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-former-japanese-pm-abe-assassination-attempt-2022-07-07-update-abe-has-died-2022-07-08/967596.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-former-japanese-pm-abe-assassination-attempt-2022-07-07-update-abe-has-died-2022-07-08/967596.md?page=3)