By AFP

(FILES) A man (L), whom local media have named as 24-year-old Ryuji Kimura, who is believed to have thrown an explosive toward Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, leaves Wakayama Nishi Police Station in Wakayama on April 17, 2023. – Japanese prosecutors said on September 6, 2023 they charged Kimura – accused of throwing an explosive at the prime minister in April – with attempted murder. (Photo by JIJI Press / AFP) / Japan OUT / NO USE AFTER OCTOBER 6, 2023 03:40:11 GMT – JAPAN OUT

A man accused of throwing a pipe bomb at Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in April has been charged with attempted murder, a court spokeswoman said Wednesday.

Ryuji Kimura, 24, is suspected of tossing the explosive device towards Kishida during a campaign event in western Japan.

Kishida was unharmed after the attack, while Kimura was arrested at the scene.

The incident came less than a year after former leader Shinzo Abe was assassinated on the campaign trail.

A Wakayama district court spokeswoman told AFP Kimura “was indicted” on Wednesday.

Suspected gunpowder, as well as pipe-like objects and tools, were found at Kimura’s home during a police search after the attack.

Kimura has remained silent since his arrest, according to public broadcaster NHK.

Kimura reportedly underwent a psychiatric evaluation for about three months before being charged.

Kimura had previously filed a lawsuit against the government, complaining about the country’s minimum age for running in elections.