Image Credits- The Straits Times
On Tuesday, Japanese authorities reported a situation where a presumed gunman had taken two female employees hostage within a post office. Local media also indicated that there may have been a shooting at a nearby hospital, resulting in two people sustaining injuries. Television broadcasts displayed images of the post office suspect. He was seen inside the building wearing a baseball cap and what appeared to be a firearm secured with a cord around his neck.
The suspected gunman, reportedly aged between 50 and 70 and 1.6m tall, had barricaded himself inside a post office located approximately 1.5 kilometers away from the hospital. During the attack outside the hospital, one doctor and one male patient sustained injuries. The hospital has reported that the shooting incident seems to have taken place near one of its buildings where the pediatric, plastic surgery, and dermatology departments are located.
On Tuesday, Japanese authorities reported a situation where a presumed gunman had taken two female employees hostage within a post office. Local media also indicated that there may have been a shooting at a nearby hospital, resulting in two people sustaining injuries. Television broadcasts displayed images of the post office suspect. He was seen inside the building wearing a baseball cap and what appeared to be a firearm secured with a cord around his neck.
The suspected gunman, reportedly aged between 50 and 70 and 1.6m tall, had barricaded himself inside a post office located approximately 1.5 kilometers away from the hospital. During the attack outside the hospital, one doctor and one male patient sustained injuries. The hospital has reported that the shooting incident seems to have taken place near one of its buildings where the pediatric, plastic surgery and dermatology departments are located.
City authorities conveyed at around 2:15 pm today (05:15 GMT) that an individual had taken hostages and had sought refuge within a post office situated in the Chuo 5-chome area of Warabi city. It was noted that the person in question appeared to be in possession of what seemed to be a firearm. Residents in the vicinity were encouraged to heed police instructions and evacuate in accordance with official guidance.
Earlier, reports had stated that approximately 10 post office employees could be inside the facility, and there were concerns that the man might have kerosene with him. As a precaution, the police advised approximately 300 residents in the vicinity to leave the area. The television footage revealed that towards the night, there were several police vehicles with flashing lights positioned around the sizable three-story structure.
The streets in the surrounding area appeared empty and devoid of people.
Japan is known for its low incidence of violent crime, and it maintains one of the world’s lowest murder rates. This is largely attributed to the strict regulations surrounding gun ownership in the East Asian nation.
However, in recent years, Japan has witnessed an increase in violent crimes, including gun-related incidents, which have garnered significant media attention. One notable incident was the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in July of the previous year. The alleged assassin, Tetsuya Yamagami, reportedly targeted the politician due to his connections with the Unification Church.
In April, another incident involved the arrest of an individual for allegedly throwing an explosive device towards Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during his campaign in the city of Wakayama, although Kishida remained unharmed.
Earlier, reports had stated that approximately 10 post office employees could be inside the facility, and there were concerns that the man might have kerosene with him. As a precaution, the police advised approximately 300 residents in the vicinity to leave the area. The television footage revealed that towards the night, there were several police vehicles with flashing lights positioned around the sizable three-story structure.
The streets in the surrounding area appeared empty and devoid of people.
Japan is known for its low incidence of violent crime, and it maintains one of the world’s lowest murder rates. This is largely attributed to the strict regulations surrounding gun ownership in the East Asian nation.
However, in recent years, Japan has witnessed an increase in violent crimes, including gun-related incidents, which have garnered significant media attention. One notable incident was the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in July of the previous year. The alleged assassin, Tetsuya Yamagami, reportedly targeted the politician due to his connections with the Unification Church.
In April, another incident involved the arrest of an individual for allegedly throwing an explosive device towards Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during his campaign in the city of Wakayama, although Kishida remained unharmed.