According to local media, Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe died in hospital after being shot during a political campaign event.
On Friday morning, Shinzo Abe was shot twice while giving a speech in the southern city of Nara.
He collapsed immediately and was rushed to the nearest hospital. Photos from the scene showed him bleeding.
The gunman was tackled by security personnel on the scene, and the 41-year-old suspect is now in police custody.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had earlier condemned the attack in an emotional press conference, saying, “It is barbaric and malicious, and it cannot be tolerated.”
It’s unclear whether both shots struck him, or if a bullet struck him in the neck and travelled elsewhere.
Shinzo Abe was said to be conscious and responsive in the moments following the attack, but his condition later deteriorated and he required a blood transfusion in hospital, according to reports.
PM Narendra Modi on Friday announced one day of mourning to pay respect to India’s friend Shinzo Abe.
He also shared his recent picture with Shinzo Abe. He said, “Sharing a picture from my most recent meeting with my dear friend, Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. Always passionate about strengthening India-Japan ties, he had just taken over as the Chairman of the Japan-India Association.”
