Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot during a speech in Nara City early Friday morning.
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The suspect stood behind Abe during his speech
The shooting occurred around 11:30 a.m. local time when witnesses said they heard a gunshot going off within the area while Abe was speaking. Moments later, he collapsed to the ground and authorities stated he appeared to be showing no vital signs as reported by Business Insider. Yamagami Tetsuya,41, has been arrested for the shooting but a statement has yet to be released by the Japanese government.
‘He was giving a speech and a man came from behind. The first shot sounded like a toy. He didn’t fall and there was a large bang. The second shot was more visible, you could see the spark and smoke. After the second shot, people surrounded him and gave him a cardiac massage,’ a witness explained to NHK.
Abe is known as Japan’s longest-serving prime minister and served two terms from 2006 to 2007, and from 2012 to 2020. He resigned from his position due to health issues and was succeeded by Yoshihide Suga. Additionally, he is known for strengthening ties between the United States and Japan. He also developed a close connection with former President Donald Trump.
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Foreign leaders send their prayers for the injured prime minister
Abe was transported to a local hospital where medics reported he went into cardiac arrest after the shooting.