Sarin Gas Attack on Tokyo Subway
March 20th, 1995
March 20th, 1995
How Long Ago?
29 years, 11 months, 23 days ago
Location
Tokyo, Japan
Category
Crime & Law
People
- Shoko Asahara
Links & References
Tags
Sarin Gas Attack on Tokyo Subway
Aum Shinrikyo, a Japanese cult, executed a coordinated sarin gas attack in the Tokyo subway system during the morning rush hour. The attack involved the release of sarin gas in multiple trains, leading to chaos and panic amongst commuters. Thirteen people lost their lives, and over 6,200 were injured. The motive behind the attack was rooted in the cult's apocalyptic beliefs and their view of government opposition.
Aum Shinrikyo released sarin gas in 5 subway trains.
Thirteen people died; over 6,200 were injured.
The attack was planned to coincide with rush hour.
Shoko Asahara led the cult responsible for the attack.
What Happened?
Aum Shinrikyo, founded in the 1980s by Shoko Asahara, aimed to create a new world order through a combination of Buddhism and apocalyptic prophecy. The cult garnered followers by promoting a vision of enlightenment and salvation leading to extreme dedication among its members. By the mid-1990s, the group had grown dangerously powerful, harboring a network of arms and bio-chemical expertise. On March 20, they executed a meticulously planned attack on Tokyo's subway system utilizing sarin gas – a potent nerve agent. At 8:00 AM, in five separate trains on three subway lines, cult members punctured bags containing the deadly gas, resulting in a swift and deadly effect among passengers. The timing of the attacks was strategically chosen during the rush hour to maximize casualties and impact. The immediate aftermath was a scene of chaos, as emergency services worked to decontaminate the affected areas and attend to the injured, with hospitals overwhelmed with patients showing symptoms of sarin exposure.
Why Does it Matter?
This attack marked a significant turning point in both Japanese society and global security consciousness regarding terrorism and chemical warfare. The incident led to increased scrutiny of cults and increased legislative measures against terrorism. It underscored the vulnerabilities of urban infrastructure and public transportation systems, prompting governments worldwide to reevaluate their emergency preparedness and counter-terrorism strategies, making it a crucial moment in modern security policy discussions.
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