Japan: Security operations ongoing after shooting incident kills at least three in Ebe District, Nakano, Nagano Prefecture, the evening of May 25 /update 1

Event

Authorities continue to respond to a shooting incident in Ebe District, Nakano, Nagano Prefecture, the evening of May 25. Reports indicate that an individual armed with a hunting rifle and knife fired shots in the area. The suspect has reportedly barricaded himself in a private residence. Officials have requested persons in the area to remain indoors. The incident, which occurred at around 16:30, killed at least three people, including two officers, and injured at least one other. Police confirmed that new gunfire was heard at around 20:10 and have designated a 300-meter radius evacuation zone around the impact site. Officials are likely to provide updates over the coming hours.

Heightened security and disruptions to transport and business are likely around the affected area over the coming hours. Officials have closed the section between the Ebe signalized intersection and the Sunayama signalized intersection of the Prefectural Route 403 and the section between the Ebe signalized intersection and the Angenji signalized intersection of the Prefectural Route 29.

Nakano is approximately 90 km (55 miles) east of Toyama.

Advice

Avoid the area until police give the all-clear. Consider alternative driving routes. Heed the instructions of local authorities.