Imran shooter says ‘tried to kill Imran Khan because he misled masses’

Islamabad: The suspect who has confessed to shooting PTI Chairman Imran Khan and other leaders of his party at a protest convoy has said he tried to assassinate the former prime minister because “he was misleading the people.”
A bullet went through Khan’s shin after being shot at by an apparently lone shooter Thursday when his long march entered Wazirabad, Gujranwala district. Khan’s party says it was obviously a bid on his life. The attacker has confessed to taking a shot at Khan’s life in a video released after his arrest.
“I could not stand it … and tried to kill Imran Khan. I tried … I tried my best to kill Khan and only Khan and not anyone else,” said the shooter, who was collared by the police near the shooting scene.
“I thought they were violating Azaan by playing loud music. My conscience could not deal with it and I took action.”
When asked whether it was an involuntary action or premeditated, the shooter first said it was a “spontaneous decision” that he took on the spot.
He then modified his statement and said no “I decided to do it this morning”. However, in the third version of his statement, the gunman said he had planned to shoot Khan since his departure from Lahore. “And I will not spare him,” the suspect added.
When asked who was supporting him, the shooter denied association with any group or political party.
“Praise the Lord, I acted alone. I did not have anyone to back me up for the shooting.”
The gunman is in police custody and being interrogated for further clues.
Khan, 70, ousted as prime minister in April, was six days into a miles-long protest procession, standing and waving to thousands of cheering supporters from the roof of a container truck when the shots rang out. (UNI)