The former prime minister of Japan died after being shot with a shotgun.
Considering how rare gun violence is in Japan, it's quite unusual. The country has some of the most strict gun laws in the world, requiring potential gun owners to go through extensive background checks and paperwork.
It's the opposite of what's happening in the US, where firearms can be bought at Walmart in some states without the need for a permit or registration.
There were more than four gun homicides per 100,000 people in 2019. When America had nearly 40,000 gun violence-related deaths, Japan had 8.
Japan's strict gun laws may have allowed the assassin to build their own shotgun. The improvised firearm that the suspect held was made out of two tubes wrapped together with black tape.
According to Daniel Foote, a professor at the University of Tokyo specializing in law and society, this shows how effective Japan's gun laws are. Few people are capable of creating such a weapon.
It was easy to assassinate Abe because of the rarity of the event.
"Security was obviously too loose and this will prompt a tightening up of security, especially at open-air speeches, given we're in the middle of elections," said a criminal law professor.
Tsuyoshi Inukai, the Japanese prime minster, was stabbed to death by the Navy in 1932 after he was accused of provoking war with the US.
According to The Washington Post, Abe pushed Japan to expand its military defenses during his time in office. He resigned due to a disease.
Even with some of the strictest gun laws, people will still find ways to get illegal firearms. We are bound to hear about more incidents like this with the rise of 3D-printed guns.
The shooting of Japan's ex- leader shocked the nation.
There is a plan to use taser-toting drones in school shootings.
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