TOKYO: Japanese prosecutors will extend the psychiatric evaluation of the man suspected of shooting former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Kyodo news agency reported on Thursday.

Tetsuya Yamagami, an unemployed 42-year-old, has been identified by police as the suspect who approached Abe at a campaign speech on a street corner in Nara on July 8 and opened fire with a handmade gun.

The evaluation, which was initially set to last until Nov. 29, has been extended until Feb. 6, Kyodo said.

Nara prosecutors were not immediately available for comment.

Prosecutors will determine whether Yamagami will be indicted for the shooting once the evaluation is concluded, according to local media.