14-6-2023 (TOKYO) In a shocking turn of events, a member of the Japan Self-Defence Force (SDF) was apprehended on Wednesday (Jun 14) on suspicion of attempted murder following a shooting incident that tragically claimed at least one life. Local media reports indicate that the incident occurred at an SDF shooting range located in Hino City, situated in the central Japanese prefecture of Gifu.
According to the defence ministry, an 18-year-old SDF member opened fire with an automatic weapon, injuring three fellow personnel and resulting in the death of one individual. Additional information provided by public broadcaster NHK reveals that two of the victims were found to be without vital signs.
The incident unfolded at approximately 9am, as confirmed by Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno. The shooter, who was identified as a teenage SDF member, discharged a total of eight shots, as confirmed by an SDF spokesperson. The injured parties included a man in his 50s and two individuals in their 20s, as reported by NHK.
Notably, there were no reported civilian casualties, and such acts of violence are exceedingly rare in Japan. The nation’s stringent regulations on gun ownership ensure that firearms are tightly controlled, with prospective gun owners subjected to a thorough vetting process.
As investigations into this tragic incident continue, authorities will undoubtedly strive to uncover the motives behind the shooter’s actions. The repercussions of this event will likely prompt a review of security measures within the SDF, with the aim of preventing such incidents in the future.
