Japan’s ex-Prime Minister Shinzō Abe was shot during a campaign event
3 min read
Credit: AP
Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzō Abe was shot in the western city of Nara on Friday while campaigning for the upcoming upper house election.
Here is everything you need to know.
Shinzō Abe was shot after a campaign speech
Japan’s public broadcaster NHK reported that Shinzō Abe was shot while delivering a campaign speech at 11:30 a.m. local time.
They added that the 67-year-old leader appeared to be bleeding from his chest. It was further said that multiple shots were fired at Abe wounding his left chest and neck.
It is speculated that he was possibly hit from behind by a shotgun fire mid-speech.
Regardless, the outlet mentioned that Abe was immediately rushed to Nara Medical University Hospital in Kashihara City. It is reported that the first responders claimed that Abe was ‘showing no vital signs’ and his heart may have stopped at the scene.
NHK World Japan 's TV footage of Shinzo Abe being shot pic.twitter.com/niucWs9Xyu
— Eric Sturrock (@EricSturrock) July 8, 2022
Japan’s chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno talked with the reporters about the tragic incident.
He mentioned, ‘Former prime minister Abe was shot at around 11:30 am in Nara. One man, believed to be the shooter, has been taken into custody. The condition of former Prime Minister Abe is currently unknown.’
In addition, Japan’s chief cabinet secretary Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arranged a press conference at 2:50 pm to address the incident.
He revealed that Abe was in a ‘critical condition.’
Kishida continued, ‘Currently doctors are doing everything they can. At this moment, I am hoping and praying that former Prime Minister Abe will survive this.’
Reactions to the news
The news of Shinzō Abe being shot urged feelings of shock and condemnation in Japan and worldwide.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took to Twitter to reflect his shock at the news.
Photo of the suspect that shot Japanese former PM Shinzo Abe. The weapon looks like a custom sawed-off shotgun. pic.twitter.com/eVDcZPZ5xW
— Global: MilitaryInfo (@Global_Mil_Info) July 8, 2022
He wrote, ‘Our thoughts are with his family and the people of Japan at this time.’
Rahm Emanuel, Ambassador of the United States to Japan expressed that he was ‘saddened and shocked’ by Friday’s shooting.
Thoughts and prayers to former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was just shot in an assassination attempt.
— Jordan Schachtel @ dossier.substack.com (@JordanSchachtel) July 8, 2022
Abe was a loyal ally to the U.S., and fiercely defended the idea of national sovereignty.
He's the guy to the right of Merkel with his arms crossed.
Total legend. pic.twitter.com/3UYKnqv7ub
Moreover, he said, ‘Abe-san has been an outstanding leader of Japan and unwavering ally of the United States.’
Emanuel continued, ‘The US government and American people are praying for the well-being of Abe-san, his family, and the people of Japan.’
So from more photos coming out it does appear the gun that was used to shoot Shinzo Abe was a homemade double barrel shotgun. Incredibly crude but still capable of doing what it did. Pray for Shinzo. pic.twitter.com/HWcNWtTqwv
— Doc Strangelove (@DocStrangelove2) July 8, 2022
Abe is Japan’s longest-serving prime minister. He held office for one year in 2016 but served again as the country’s prime minister from December 2012 to September 2020.
However, shockingly he stepped down in August 2020, after a chronic health condition resurfaced.
Keep Shinzo Abe and his family in your prayers tonight. pic.twitter.com/ayo8KRlOoK
— Amerithrax ☀️ (@AnthraxForever) July 8, 2022
