Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) has issued a directive to reinforce security measures at public events involving politicians in response to the recent assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump.
The shooting incident on Saturday has reignited concerns in Japan, reminiscent of the 2022 assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a tragedy that stunned a nation unaccustomed to gun violence.
Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japan’s top government spokesman, informed reporters that the NPA has instructed police forces across the country to “renew their vigilance in the vicinity of stump speech sites.” This call to action aims to ensure the safety of political figures during public appearances.
The tragic shooting of Abe last year exposed significant flaws in Japan’s security protocols, ultimately leading to the resignation of NPA Chief Itaru Nakamura. Nakamura acknowledged “shortcomings in the security plans and the risk assessments on which they were based.”
The urgency of enhancing security was underscored less than a year after Abe’s death when an explosive device was thrown at current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a campaign event. Although Kishida emerged unscathed, the incident served as a stark reminder of the potential dangers at public political events.
Hayashi reiterated the government’s commitment to improving security measures, emphasizing that “the sites of stump speeches by high-ranking officials can become dangerous places.” He also supported Prime Minister Kishida’s condemnation of the attack on Trump, describing it as an “intolerable act of violence that challenges democracy.”
“We must be resolute and stand up against it,” Hayashi stated, reflecting Japan’s determination to prevent similar incidents and protect democratic processes.
In light of these recent events, Japan is doubling down on its efforts to secure public spaces, especially those involving high-profile political figures, to avert any further threats to their safety and maintain public confidence in their security apparatus.
