On the night of the 19th, a violent incident occurred at the Fukuoka City Comprehensive Library in Sawara Ward, where three individuals, including men and women, were stabbed in the abdomen. Investigators found a blood-stained Santoku knife, approximately 17 centimeters in blade length, suggesting it was used in the attack. The suspect, 61-year-old Tatsuji Yoshii, a jobless resident of the same ward, has reportedly admitted to bringing the knife from his home. The Fukuoka Prefectural Police arrested Yoshii on charges of attempted murder, specifically targeting a 50-year-old female visitor, and later sent him to the Fukuoka District Public Prosecutors Office.

The violent attack happened shortly before the library closed around 8 PM. According to security camera footage, it was reported that an elderly male visitor in his 80s was first attacked in the reading area, and a female visitor near the entrance was subsequently slashed. Yoshii was apprehended immediately afterward by a 70-year-old male security guard, who also suffered injuries in the confrontation. Both victims sustained severe wounds, but their lives are not in danger, according to reports.

Investigators have revealed that Yoshii expressed a desire to kill and claimed to have no prior acquaintance with the victims, which raises concerns about the randomness of the attack. The police are viewing this incident seriously, emphasizing the need to address the potential for such indiscriminate violence in public spaces, particularly in places meant for community engagement and safety, like libraries.