This is the full text of a press conference by Tomoaki Onizuka, the head of the Nara Prefectural Police Headquarters, who expressed his intention to resign in response to the release of the results of the investigation by the National Police Agency in the case where former Prime Minister Abe was shot and killed.
Full opening comment
I am Onizuka, Chief of the Nara Prefectural Police Headquarters.
Thank you very much for joining us today.
Once again, I would like to express my deepest condolences for the passing of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was shot during his campaign speech near the roundabout on the north side of Kintetsu Yamato-Saidaiji Station on July 8 this year. I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and many other people involved.
In addition, I would like to express my sincere apologies for causing great anxiety and worry to many people in Japan and overseas, including the residents of the prefecture and the general public, due to this incident.
In this case, a 41-year-old man living in Nara City, who was a target of security, was visiting the prefecture to give a speech in support of the 26th regular election for members of the House of Councilors. It was the one that shot and killed the likes.
As the prefectural police, the necessary system was established and it occurred in the midst of carrying out security guards. I am keenly aware of my responsibility.
In light of the seriousness of the situation, I requested the National Public Safety Commission and the Commissioner of the National Police Agency to resign, and today I received their approval.
Since the occurrence of this incident, the National Public Safety Commission and the National Police Agency have conducted inspections and reviews, and today we understand that measures to strengthen security, including a system for predicting security, have been compiled.
We deeply regret that we were unable to prevent this incident, and as the Nara Prefectural Police, we pledge to build a new security system while immediately and steadily implementing the various measures presented.
That's all from me.
Question-and-answer session
(Question) Please tell me more about your thoughts that led to your resignation.
(General Manager Onitsuka)
Ever since the incident occurred on July 8, I have felt an immeasurable shock and a heavy responsibility when I received the news that former Prime Minister Abe, whom I personally admired, passed away. It was every day that I felt like I was being crushed.
During that time, I was not without some hesitation or hesitation in deciding to resign, but as I said at the beginning, in light of the seriousness of the situation, I came to the conclusion that I should resign and take responsibility.
(Question) Please tell me about the meaning of ``confused and shunned''.
(Chief Onitsuka)
I remember that it was July 9th, but at that time, it was my responsibility to clarify the incident and confirm the security problems, and to rebuild the situation. I have said that it is my responsibility to all of you, the many people involved, the bereaved families, and above all, the greatest condolence and responsibility for former Prime Minister Abe, who passed away.
Of course, I also have a family, and I thought deeply about whether resigning would be fulfilling my responsibilities in everything. I came to believe that resigning and taking responsibility would be the best decision.
(Question) I have three questions.
When did you first decide to resign?
Then what is the biggest security problem?
Finally, what will Onizuka do after he resigns?
I would like to ask about the above three points.
(General Manager Onizuka Headquarters)
First of all, regarding your question about when the decision will be made, it is very difficult to say exactly when. However, as the Chief of the Police Headquarters, who has jurisdiction and responsibility for the seriousness and seriousness of the case, I believe that there is no other way to take responsibility.
The problem with security, the biggest factor, as stated in the report on the review of the verification already announced by the National Police Agency, is that the suspect was allowed to approach from behind. However, the details of the factors have already been described in the report and the contents have been made public, so I hope you will understand that.
Regarding the third point, I have received approval to resign today, but the date of the announcement is August 30, so there are still five days left to do. As the head of the headquarters, I would like to take responsibility and finish it, and then return to Tokyo where my family is waiting and think about it.
(Question) You have said that you will take responsibility for your resignation this time, but what exactly do you feel responsible for?
Also, what are your thoughts on the (previous escort) plan being followed?
(Chief Onitsuka Headquarters)
In regards to the security responsibilities this time, the problems of the security at the scene and the problems of the security plan have been pointed out. , I will take responsibility as the head of the headquarters with jurisdictional responsibility for the serious and serious consequences that occurred in the escort that was carried out under the responsibility of the Nara Prefectural Police.
Regarding the creation of the plan itself, there is a description that it was followed as a result, and that is true, but I think that it is also natural to refer to the previous plan when creating a normal plan.
The problem was whether or not they had sufficiently considered the various impacts on the guard at that time.
This time, when creating the security plan, it was evaluated that this point was not sufficient, and I myself understand that as well.
(Question) The results of the verification have been announced by the National Police Agency.
(Chief Onitsuka Headquarters)
Regarding the security this time, as you have already been informed, we have already provided the necessary security system, and police officers, including more than 10 guards, were stationed at the scene to provide security.
After that, in the process of verification, I was interviewed by the verification team of the Public Prosecutor's Office, including myself, submitted all the relevant documents, and reported everything to the National Police Agency, including what the prefectural police had grasped. A review report has been prepared, so it is my understanding that all of the points I just mentioned will be reflected in the published report.
(Question) As the head of the division, do you have any thoughts on things like, ``I want you to keep this in mind in the future,'' so that the same thing doesn't happen again?
(Onitsuka Headquarters) The
review is in the report, and I think that the Prefectural Police, which caused the problem, must do even more than that. This is extremely important police activity that supports the foundation of the country's democratic society.
After the press conference
After the press conference, General Manager Onitsuka slowly got up from his seat and said the following, then bowed deeply.
(General Manager Onizuka)
Thank you very much to all of you.
I am leaving the prefectural police because I am not strong enough, but the Nara Prefectural Police will work hard to restore the trust of the Nara Prefectural Police and serve the citizens of the prefecture. increase.
Thank you very much.