Wakayama, Japan – Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was safely evacuated from a venue in the city of Wakayama on Saturday, April 15, after a suspect threw what appeared to be a smoke bomb at an outdoor speech he was expected to give [1][4][5]. The incident occurred just before Kishida was scheduled to begin his speech, according to the country’s national broadcaster [2].
A loud “explosion-like sound” was heard at the scene, and video footage was released showing the moment of the incident [5]. Reuters, quoting Japanese media, reported that an explosion-like sound was heard at the scene [7].
Authorities quickly responded to the situation, and police in Japan arrested a man suspected of throwing an object during the Prime Minister’s speech [8]. The Prime Minister was not harmed in the incident and was promptly evacuated from the venue [1][2].
Further details about the suspect and the motives behind the attack are yet to be disclosed. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.