Man withholds plea in trial of 2024 LDP headquarters firebomb attack

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- An individual suspected of attempted murder after forcibly deploying firebombs at riot police outside the ruling Liberal Democratic Party headquarters in Japan remained silent during the initial proceedings of his trial on Monday. On the first day of the Tokyo District Court hearing, Atsunobu Usuda, a 51-year-old man, declined to provide any information pertaining to his identity, birth date, and employment status, maintaining a downward gaze while seated at the defense table.

Upon standing to address the charges, he procured a Japanese national flag, tore it into pieces, and declared, "That is all." Prosecutors allege that Usuda hurled five gasoline-laden firebombs at Metropolitan Police Department riot officers safeguarding the LDP headquarters in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward on October 19, 2024, causing damage to a police vehicle.

Additionally, he allegedly rammed a mini vehicle into an obstacle outside the prime minister's office and ignited the vehicle using two firebombs, according to the prosecution. Usuda was indicted by Tokyo prosecutors in February 2025 following a psychiatric assessment confirming his capability to be held criminally accountable.