“Everything Is True”: Man Who Assassinated Shinzo Abe Pleads Guilty in Japan After Three Years

In a major development in one of Japan's most shocking crimes, the man accused of assassinating former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has pleaded guilty. Three years after the tragic shooting that stunned the world, 45-year-old Tetsuya Yamagami confessed to killing Japan's longest-serving leader during a campaign event in 2022.

Tetsuya Yamagami Admits to Killing Shinzo Abe

Appearing before a Japanese court on Tuesday, Yamagami admitted to the charges of murder and violation of arms control laws. During the proceedings, he calmly stated, "Everything is true," confirming his role in the assassination.

The former prime minister was fatally shot on July 8, 2022, while delivering a campaign speech in Nara, a city in western Japan. The attack, which occurred in broad daylight, left the nation in disbelief and prompted a reevaluation of political security in one of the world's safest countries.

How the Assassination Unfolded

Abe was speaking near a train station when Yamagami, standing behind him, fired two shots using a homemade firearm. The second shot struck Abe, causing fatal injuries. Despite being airlifted to a hospital, the 67-year-old former leader was pronounced dead shortly after.

Yamagami was immediately subdued by security officers at the scene and taken into custody. Authorities later discovered several improvised weapons at his residence, raising concerns over lax gun laws and the spread of online instructions for building firearms.

Motive Behind the Attack

Investigators revealed that Yamagami's motive stemmed from a grudge against the Unification Church, a religious organization he accused of causing his family's financial ruin. He believed Abe was associated with the group because of the former leader's past public support for it.

Yamagami reportedly told police that his mother's large donations to the church had driven his family into bankruptcy, fueling resentment that ultimately led to his violent act. His trial has reignited debates in Japan about the influence of religious groups and the emotional toll of financial exploitation.

Three Years Later: The Case That Shook Japan

The guilty plea marks a pivotal moment in a case that has haunted Japan since 2022. Abe's death not only ended the life of a major political figure but also reshaped public discussions about national security, political transparency, and the regulation of religious organizations.

As the trial continues, the nation watches closely, hoping for closure in a tragedy that altered the course of modern Japanese politics.