The slaughter of nearly 20 people by a knife-wielding killer in the community of Sagamihara, Japan, provided a stark lesson to American gun control advocates who often point to the island nation as an example this country could follow to reduce violent crime.
According to CNN, the suspect turned himself in to authorities following the attack at a facility for disabled people. The victims range in age from 18 to 70 years.
Another 26 people were injured in the attack, which appears to have been the work of a former employee at the facility. Sagamihara is located about 25 miles west of Tokyo.
Japanese authorities identified the suspect as 26-year-old Satoshi Uematsu. He reportedly broke into the facility and killed nine men and ten women.
No motive was immediately known, but CNN reported that in February the suspect apparently gave a letter to Japanese lawmakers promoting a society that allows euthanasia of disabled people.
Japan is frequently used as an example by the gun prohibition lobby to promote a gun-free society in the United States. However, as this incident demonstrates, prohibiting private gun ownership does not necessarily guarantee a murder-free society.
W&G
