US condemns knife attack in Japan

The US today strongly condemned the "repugnant and senseless" attack by a knife-wielding man at a facility for the disabled in Japan in which 19 people were killed, the country's worst mass killing in decades.

"The United States offers our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed in the heinous attack today in Sagamihara, Japan. We also pray for the speedy recovery of the dozens of individuals who were wounded," said Ned Price, Spokesman of the National Security Council in the White House.

A knife-wielding former employee killed 19 people and injured 25 at a care centre for the mentally disabled in Japan today.

"There is never any excuse for such violence, but the fact that this attack occurred at a facility for persons with disabilities makes it all the more repugnant and senseless," he said.

"The thoughts of the American people are with our Japanese friends as they mourn the lives lost," Price said.