A man carrying knives in both his hands, today, i.e., Tuesday, May 28, 2019, attacked a group of school children who were waiting for their bus in Japan.
A 12 years old girl was killed in the horrific act of violence at public place. In addition, more than 18 people, including 16 school girls, have been left injured in the incident. A 39 years old man was also stabbed to death in the killing spree.
The attack took place near a park in the city of Kawasaki, which is about 13 miles from Tokyo. The driver of the school bus said that he saw the suspect, who was in his 50s, approaching the queue of students who later began stabbing the children. The attacker also boarded the bus and started stabbing children inside the bus.
Post this, the attacker stabbed himself in the neck and died. The reason for this public act of violence is not yet known.
An eyewitness said, “I saw a man lying near a bus stop bleeding. I also saw elementary schoolchildren lying on the ground. It’s a quiet neighbourhood, it’s scary to see this kind of thing happen.”
The Kawasaki Fire Department (KFD) received an emergency call at 07:44 hrs. local time. The Police recovered 2 knives from the spot.
Expressing grief, the Prime Minister of Japan – Shinzo Abe said, “It is a very harrowing case. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the victims and hope the injured recover quickly.”
He further added, “We must keep our children safe at all costs,” Abe told reporters. I’ve instructed the related ministers to take immediate action to ensure the children’s safety in going to and leaving school.”
The incident happened when the President of United States (U.S.) – Donald Trump was in Japan, strengthening ties between the 2 nations and discussing world politics. Trump has become the first foreign leader to meet the Emperor of Japan – Naruhito.
Speaking of the incident, Trump said the American people grieved for the victims’ families.
For the records, Japan is considered as one of the world’s safest developed countries. According to the United Nations (U.N.) Office of Drugs and Crime, it has the world’s lowest homicide rate. Last time such an incident happened in 2016, when 19 people were killed in a stabbing spree at a Care Home for disabled people.
Japan also has stringent regulations with regards to possession of weapons. It is absolutely illegal in Japan to carry a pocket knife, craft knife, hunting knife or box cutter in public.
The Tuesday incident took place during US President Donald Trump’s visit to the country. Speaking aboard a Japanese helicopter carrier, Trump said the American people grieved for the victims’ families.
