Shinzo abe, the former prime minister, fell during a speech following gunshots that were reportedly heard ,, according to NHK, a Japanese public broadcasting station.
Abe collapsed in the western Japanese city of Nara around 11: 30 a.m Friday, according to NHK. NHK reported that Abe was seen falling from his chest after hearing two gunshots.
BREAKING: Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been shot in the city of Nara, NHK reports. pic.twitter.com/R6vshJ4Elh
— The Japan Times (@japantimes) July 8, 2022
The former prime minister was apparently rushed to hospital following the shooting. According to Japanese media, Abe does not appear to have any vital signs following the gunshot.
#BREAKING Former Japan PM Abe showing no vital signs after attack: local media pic.twitter.com/Tnv9JNaCTA
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) July 8, 2022
The Associated Press reported Abe “was not breathing and his heart had stopped” and noted “In Japan, officials sometimes use the term [heart failure] to describe situations where victims are no longer alive but before a formal declaration of death has been made.”
The Washington Post’s Michelle Ye Hee Lee reported Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters Abe was in critical condition and “doctors are working to save [him].”
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is giving an emotional news conference, in tears. According to him, Abe is currently in critical condition. Doctors are trying to save Abe. Kishida refused to reveal the motives of the gunman, saying that there wasn’t enough information.
— Michelle Ye Hee Lee (@myhlee) July 8, 2022
Reuters reports a 41-year old man named Tetsuya Yamagami was arrested following the shooting.
Third Video shows former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe being shot and then the gunman being taken in custody
NOTE: Video not graphic, but viewer discretion is advised pic.twitter.com/xsskEZzBMQ
— BNO News (@BNONews) July 8, 2022
U.S.
U.S.
We are shocked and saddened by the murder of Abe Shinzo, former Prime Minister. Abe-san was an unwavering ally to the U.S. and a great leader in Japan. American citizens and the U.S. Government are praying for Abe-san’s well-being, as well as his family and Japanese people.
— ramuemaniyueruZhu Ri Mi Guo Da Shi (@USAmbJapan) July 8, 2022
“We don’t know his condition, we do know he’s been shot,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said ahead of a G20 meeting in Indonesia. This is an extremely sad time and we are waiting for news from Japan
Former President Donald Trump expressed sadness at the news that Abe had been shot, calling him “a truly great man and leader” and “a true friend of mine and, much more importantly, America.”
