A tense situation unfolded in Tokyo on Saturday morning as a man was arrested for throwing suspected petrol bombs at the headquarters of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). This incident occurred just over a week before Japan’s general election, raising significant security concerns.
According to Japanese media reports, the man, believed to be in his 40s, launched five or six Molotov cocktail-like objects at the LDP headquarters. These projectiles struck a riot police vehicle, igniting a fire that was quickly extinguished. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
The attack didn’t end there. The man also attempted to drive his car into the grounds of the prime minister’s office but was thwarted by a fence. He then tried to throw what appeared to be a smoke bomb, but police officers on the scene swiftly apprehended him. The suspect was subsequently arrested for obstructing public order.
The incident, which took place shortly before 6 am local time, has shaken the nation. Several polyethylene tanks were discovered in the man’s car, further adding to the gravity of the situation.
This attack comes at a particularly sensitive time, as Japan prepares for a general election on October 27. This election will be a crucial test for newly appointed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who took office after winning the LDP’s leadership vote last month.
While Japan is known for its strict gun control laws and relatively low crime rates, the nation was profoundly impacted by the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022. Abe was shot in broad daylight during a campaign event, sending shockwaves throughout the country.
This recent incident at the LDP headquarters has sparked a renewed focus on security and the need to prevent further acts of violence, especially in the lead-up to the upcoming election. Authorities are currently investigating the motives behind the attack and the suspect’s potential ties to any extremist groups.