High Alert in Tokyo as Knife Incident Unfolds Near U.S. Embassy

In a tense prelude to President Donald Trump's visit, Tokyo police detained a man wielding a knife outside the U.S. embassy on Friday. The Asahi newspaper reported that the man, in his 30s, was arrested after threatening anti-riot police around 2:30 p.m. local time. During the capture, an officer was injured and hospitalized, though the injury's specifics remain unclear.

No motives for the suspect's actions have surfaced, and the man has remained silent about any potential grievances with the U.S. or Trump, according to NHK's report. Authorities swiftly cordoned off the area and initiated an investigation across the embassy site.

This incident occurs amidst tight security plans in preparation for President Trump's visit from October 27-29, during which he is slated to meet Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The Tokyo police have deployed an extensive security force of up to 18,000 personnel in response to rising political violence, highlighted by recent attacks on key figures.