Local media reported that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was evacuated safely after an apparent smoke or pipe bomb was hurled at him and a loud explosion was heard just before he began a Saturday campaign speech in the city of Wakayama.

According to the public broadcaster NHK, an explosion-like sound was heard at the location. According to reports, Kishida sought refuge at the scene of the incident and was unharmed.

Japan PM Fumio Kishida evacuated after explosion at his speech venue

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People who had congregated at the scene could be seen fleeing while a man was subdued by what appeared to be several police officers at the scene, according to video footage broadcast by Japanese media. After the incident, which occurred while Kishida was speaking with a candidate of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, he fled the scene unharmed.

The Prime Minister’s speech was part of the official campaigning for the Wakayama No. 1 district lower house by-election. In light of the assault, Kishida’s address has been canceled.

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The incident occurred months after former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was fatally shot during a campaign speech for the upper house election in July of last year.

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