The shooting suspect in the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is reportedly citing personal reasons for the attack.
Japan's longest-serving prime minister, who sustained gunshot wounds during a campaign speech in Nara, Japan, died on Friday morning local time.
Tetsuya Yamagami, 41, is suspected of being the man who approached Abe from behind and calmly fired a gun. Multiple videos showed him being tackled by police.
Japan's Kyodo news agency reported that Yamagami was convinced that Abe had promoted an unidentified religious group that his mother made donations to before running into financial trouble.
"My mother got wrapped up in a religious group and I resented it," local outlet Kyodo quoted Yamagami as saying following the attack.
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The suspect reportedly spent months planning his attack, including attending other events where Abe spoke and making a gun at home. The 16-inch weapon was made from parts bought online, according to reports.
Nara police have not commented on the details about Yamagami's intentions reported by Japanese media.
Local news has reported Yamagami lived in Nara city and once worked for Japan's Maritime Self Defense Force. Neighbors who spoke to Reuters said Yamagami kept to himself and didn't speak to people in his community.
Japan has one of the lowest rates of gun deaths in the world, according to Business Insider.
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Abe, 67, held the title of prime minister from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020, having also served as president of the Liberal Democratic Party for the latter time.
The British royals paid tribute to Abe on Friday.
"My family and I were deeply saddened to hear the news of the sudden and tragic death of former Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe," Queen Elizabeth said in the statement released by her office at Buckingham Palace. "I have fond memories of meeting Mr. Abe and his wife during their visit to the United Kingdom in 2016. His love for Japan, and his desire to forge ever-closer bonds with the United Kingdom, were clear."
"I wish to convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and to the people of Japan at this difficult time."