The man who assassinated former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is said to have been linked to a cult-like group, the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, known as the Unification Church or 'Moonies'. The motive for the killing is as of yet unclear, though the killer has told investigators that he has a particular hatred for a group that Abe is linked to. The exact group has not been made public by the authorities.
41-year-old Tetsuya Yamagami is being held in custody following the shooting of Abe at an election rally for the upcoming Japanese elections. The suspect is believed to have used a homemade gun and have a military background.
Yamagami is known to be currently unemployed.
A spokesperson for the Unification Church has said that while Yamagami's mother was a member of the church he himself was not. The organisation has condemned the killing and stated the church would fully co-operate with Japanese investigators if asked to do so.
Former associates of the killer said he was unassuming and did not appear dangerous. One former colleague said:
"If it was work talk, he would respond, but he didn't go into his private life. He seemed mild-mannered."
He did however add that his work was poor and that he seemed unfocused.
Another colleague described him as:
"Totally normal."
Police have said that the suspect's initial plan was to kill Abe using explosives and they have reported finding explosive devices in the suspect's home. The reason the suspect gave as to why he did not use explosives at another event, were:
"I was thinking about killing the former prime minister there (Okayama), but I saw that there were admission procedures at the entrance and I felt it would be difficult to get in."
The killing of Abe has sent shockwaves around Japan given the country has an extremely low crime rate and a very low rate of violent crime. Security and intelligence services have stepped up precautions around those involved in the ongoing election.
[Based on reporting by: CNN]
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