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We’ve learned some tragic news (via Sankei, Mainichi, NHK) – Kyoto Animation’s Studio 1 has been set on fire, and many people are dead, injured, or missing.

At the time or writing at least 30 are injured, one or more people are dead, and 10 are in critical condition. The building houses most of their administrative space, training rooms, and more.

The origin of the fire was confirmed to be arson, with the perpetrator in custody – a Japanese man in his 40s, who has yet to be identified.

The suspect reportedly poured gasoline on the building and on people inside before getting stopped, and arrested. There were reports of staff running outside, while on fire.

Kyoto Animation is known for many excellent films and franchises, one of the most popular being The Meloncholy of Haruhi Suzumiya.

[UPDATE 08:40 AM EST on 07-18-19]

NHK is reporting thirty three Kyoto Animation employees have been confirmed dead at the scene. Thirty six have been taken to the hospital for treatment.

[UPDATE 10:00 AM EST on 07-19-19]

NHK has released the name of the suspected arsonist in the Kyoto Animation attack. The murderer’s name is Shinji Aoba, 41 years of age, and a resident of Saitama Prefecture. One of the hospitalized victims has died of their injuries, raising the death toll to 34 dead.

Yahoo Japan has reported that the suspect has revealed his motive(s) – claiming Kyoto Animation “plagiarized his idea for a novel, so I decided to set their building on fire.”

Sponichi has reported on a new interview with Kyoto Animation President Hideaki Hatta has revealed all paper documents, records, and computer backups have been destroyed in the fire.