Arrested Self-Defense Forces candidate, shooting to steal bullets or dead

An 18-year-old Self-Defense Officer candidate, who was sent to prosecutors on suspicion of murder in a case in which three members were shot and injured at a Ground Self-Defense Force firing range in Gifu City, is related to the fact that he repeatedly fired shots while moving toward an ammunition storage area. It was found out by interviewing people. Two members who were in charge of the ammunition were shot, but he explained that he had no grudge against them. It is believed that the purpose was to steal ammunition, and the Ground Self-Defense Force's police force is investigating the detailed motive and background.

Shooting to steal bullets or dead

Shortly after 9:00 a.m. on the 14th, the cadet is said to have fired an automatic rifle at a member of the GSDF Hino Basic Firing Range during shooting training. Sergeant 1st Class Yasuchika Kikumatsu (52) and 3rd Class Sergeant Kousuke Yashiro (25) died, and Sergeant 3rd Class Yusuke Hara (25) was injured and took three months to fully recover.According to sources, the cadet loaded a magazine full of live ammunition into his gun without permission and yelled, "Don't move!" However, 3rd Sergeant Yashiro, who was in charge of managing the waiting area, tried to stop him, so he shot him.After that, the cadet headed straight for the ammunition storage on the right rear and fired at 1st Sergeant Kikumatsu who was nearby. After shooting 3rd Sergeant Hara who was next to him, it is believed that he fired another shot at 1st Sergeant Kikumatsu. 1st Sergeant Kikumatsu and 3rd Sergeant Hara are said to have been sitting in the ammunition storage area as 'ammunition staff' in charge of handing over ammunition.After being apprehended by his superior, the cadet continued to resist and fired several more shots. He was taken out of the firing range by two other members, and no ammunition was taken.

SDF officials

According to SDF officials, the ammunition staff usually prepares the ammunition for the day's training and lays it out on the table. After each cadet received a bundle of bullets packed in a box, they were supposed to salute, saying, "Ammunition has been received," and then wait in line at the waiting area.1st Sergeant Kikumatsu was shot in the chest and 3rd Sergeant Yashiro was shot in the side. He explained that there was no daily contact between the candidate and the victim, and that he did not cause the incident out of resentment. (Japanese original by Ayaka Morita, Richi Tanaka, and Yoshitake Matsuura, City News Department)