Press Releases
Messages of condolence from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Foreign Minister Taro Kono
following the shooting incidents in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio
1. Following the successive shooting incidents that occurred in El Paso, Texas on the 3rd August (local time), and in Dayton, Ohio, on the 4th August (local time), which caused numerous casualties, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent the following message to the Honorable Donald J. Trump, the President of the United States of America.
“I am deeply saddened and utterly outraged to hear the news of the successive shooting incidents in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, which claimed the lives of a number of innocent civilians.
I wish to convey our sincerest condolences to all the victims and their families, and hope that those who were injured recover as soon as possible.
We cannot tolerate such atrocious acts for any reason. Japan strongly condemns them. Japan expresses sincere solidarity with the people of the United States as they overcome this difficult time.”
2. In addition, on the same day, Foreign Minister Taro Kono sent the following message to the Honorable Mike Pompeo, the Secretary of State of the United States of America.
“I can hardly hold back my shock and outrage as I have learned that the atrocious shooting incidents that occurred successively in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, caused multiple casualties.
I would like to pray for the deceased and their families, and express my heartfelt sympathy to the injured.
Such brutal acts cannot be justified for any reason. Japan expresses its sincere solidarity with the United States in overcoming this difficult time.”