LDP HQ Attack Amid Rising Political Violence

Atsunobu Usuda, 49, was arrested in Tokyo after allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails at the headquarters of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and crashing his car into the fence of the Prime Minister's residence. The incident took place just over a week before the general election scheduled for October 27. Although no injuries were reported, the attack reflects growing public dissatisfaction with the LDP amid a scandal involving dubious funding and suspected tax evasion. Usuda's motives remain unclear, but social media posts suggest political ambitions and frustration over campaign costs. The LDP, led by new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, is attempting to restore its image but faces declining popularity. This attack follows a series of violent incidents against political figures, including the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022.