A person was captured at the site in Wakayama where Mr. Kishida was supposed to give a speech, as reported by local media. Witnesses said they saw the individual throw an object, followed by smoke and a loud noise. Luckily, there were no injuries reported.
The suspect was seen being restrained by law enforcement officials in video footage and was subsequently apprehended. No further information has been released by the police regarding the occurrence. Mr. Kishida, who was in attendance at the location, acknowledged that there was a “loud blast” and expressed regret for any trouble or anxiety caused.
NHK broadcasted footage of crowds fleeing the area, as well as a group of individuals detaining and escorting the detained individual away. As per the broadcaster, the individual has been taken into custody on charges of disrupting business.
After touring Wakayama’s fishing harbor for a campaign event, Mr. Kishida started delivering a speech when an object was thrown, causing him to take cover. Local media reports confirm that he will proceed with his scheduled itinerary for the day. Witnesses expressed shock and panic, with one witness’s daughter crying after hearing a loud noise.
Concerns over political security have arisen, following previous attacks such as the shooting of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during the campaign trail last year. Hiroshi Moriyama, a member of Mr. Kishida’s Liberal Democratic Party, called the incident an unforgivable atrocity.
