Police probe of Abe security lapse begins as Japan mourns
Jul 16, 2022, 3:41 PM
People pray at a site outside of Yamato-Saidaiji Station where Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe was shot earlier today during an election campaign on July 08, 2022 in Nara, Japan. Former Prime Minister Abe has been pronounced dead, he collapsed after shots were heard while he was campaigning at a rally. A suspect was apprehended and taken into custody, as Abe was rushed to a hospital via helicopter. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)
(Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)
TOKYO (AP) — Officials from Japan’s top police agency began their probe into security lapses blamed for former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s assassination a week ago Friday.
Mourners carrying bouquets stood in a long line Friday to lay flowers and pray while a team of investigators inspected the site in Nara in western Japan.
The shooting death of Abe, one of Japan’s most influential and divisive politicians, has shone a light on links between the Liberal Democratic Party and the Unification Church.
Police said the suspect told investigators he killed Abe because of rumored links between the former prime minister and “a religious organization,” which media reports identified as the Unification Church.
