This is pretty crazy breaking news. Political attacks are so rare in Japan, and of course gun control in the country is some of strictest. While there of course have been occasions of other very random and unprovoked acts by individuals (usually suffering from some degree of mental illness) this is shocking to say the least. Agree with his policies and views or not, this is a sad attack on the ex-PM. Hoping for a good outcome to this, but the news is difficult.
Very sad to say that former Japanese Prime Minister has died after undergoing treatment in hospital from the severe wounds sustained in the attack in Nara earlier today. I join everyone in expressing my sorrow over these events.
It's strange (and sad) but if I woke up to this news about an American politician, I'd be shocked but not surprised. This elicits both. Really awful. The weapon was a "zip gun," homemade: https://twitter.com/NakanohitoGamin/status/1545277443086647297?t=EsyBr7G_X72_d9T7DWO1HA&s=19
I did not like the man or his politics, but no one deserves to die like dog. Just an unthinkable situation.
I tried to have some sympathy on a human level but couldn't manage to find any. He was a corrupt ultranationalist, and did a lot to normalize far right and revisionist views here. I feel very sorry for the killer, though. It's interesting to think how different the international reaction would have been if it was Trump who got assassinated.
I have no sympathy for the man or his legacy of extreme right wing politics. Unfortunately his death has give the extreme right even more power.
