Japan PM Blames Police for Death of Former Leader Shinzo Abe

Japan PM Blames Police for Death of Former Leader Shinzo Abe
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida delivers a speech at his official residence in Tokyo, Japan, on July 14, 2022. Zhang Xiaoyu/Pool Photo via AP
The Associated Press
Updated:

TOKYO—Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Thursday blamed inadequate police protection for the death of former leader Shinzo Abe, who was shot last week while giving an outdoor campaign speech.

Abe, one of Japan’s most influential politicians, was assassinated last Friday in Nara in western Japan, shocking a nation known for its low crime rate and strict gun control. Photos and videos of the shooting show the gunman was able to approach Abe from behind, while security guards were focused toward the front.