By Ben Kerrigan-
Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe is said to be in grave condition after he was shot at a political campaign event.
The 67-year-old had been delivering a speech near a train station in the western city of Nara when he was attacked.
He was critically wounded after being shot from behind and has died after being airlifted to hospital.
He immediately collapsed and was rushed to the nearest hospital. The motive of the shooting is unknown.
Security officials at the scene tackled the gunman, and the 41-year-old suspect is now in police custody.
In an emotional press conference a few hours later, prime minister Fumio Kishida told reporters that Mr Abe was in a “very grave condition”.
“Currently doctors are doing everything they can,” said Mr Kishida who appeared to be holding back tears, adding that he was “praying from his heart” that Mr Abe would survive.
He condemned the attack, saying: “It is barbaric and malicious, and cannot be tolerated.”
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency confirmed that Mr Abe had a bullet wound on the right of his neck, and also suffered subcutaneous bleeding under the left part of his chest.
Tributes
Tributes were immediately poured out to him.
On Twitter, US President Joe Biden said that he was “stunned, outraged, and deeply saddened” by the news that Abe had been killed. “He was a champion of the friendship between our people. The United States stands with Japan in this moment of grief.”
In a statement from the White House, Biden said that Abe’s “vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific will endure”.Britain’s Queen Elizabeth said she was “deeply saddened” by Abe’s killing.
“My family and I were deeply saddened to hear the news of the sudden and tragic death of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe,” said the 96-year-old monarch.
“I wish to convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and to the people of Japan at this difficult time.”
On Twitter, the Brazilian leader said that he had received “with extreme indignation and regret the news of the death of @AbeShinzo, a brilliant leader who was a great friend of Brazil. I extend to Abe’s family, as well as to our Japanese brothers, my solidarity and the wish that God takes care of their souls in this moment of pain.”
Israel Prime Minister Yair Lapid said:
“The State of Israel mourns the death of former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe following today’s horrific attack. He was a fierce & distinguished leader and a key architect of modern Israel-Japan relations. Sending condolences to his family, loved ones and the Japanese people,” the Isreali leader said on Friday.
Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:
Canada’s leader called the assassination “incredibly shocking” and said on Twitter that “I’m deeply saddened. The world has lost a great man of vision, and Canada has lost a close friend. My thoughts are with his wife, Akie, and the people of Japan as they mourn this loss. You’ll be missed, my friend.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said: “Japan has lost a great prime minister, who dedicated his life to his country and worked to ensure order in the world.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz:
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he was “stunned and deeply saddened” by the news of Abe’s death.
“We stand closely by Japan’s side even in these difficult hours,” Scholz tweeted, expressing his deepest sympathy to the late leader’s family.
The leader of Russia, Vladimir Putin, on Friday called Abe’s death an “irreplaceable loss.”
In a telegram to Abe’s family, Vladimir Putin called Abe an “outstanding statesman” who had done a lot to develop “good neighbourly ties between our countries.”
“I wish you and your family strength and courage in the face of this heavy, irreparable loss,” Putin said, according to a statement released by the Kremlin.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said: “Deeply saddened by the heinous killing of Shinzo Abe, a defender of democracy and my friend & colleague over many years. My deepest condolences to his family, PM Fumio Kishida & the people of NATO’s partner Japan at this difficult time.”
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Incredibly sad news about Shinzo Abe,” Johnson said on Twitter. “His global leadership through unchartered times will be remembered by many. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the Japanese people.” “The UK stands with you at this dark and sad time.”
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
“The tragic death of former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo is devastating news … Mr Abe was one of Australia’s closest friends on the world stage … Under his leadership Japan emerged as one of Australia’s most like-minded partners in Asia – a legacy that endures today.
“Mr Abe was a leader in the Indo-Pacific, championing a vision of a free and open region. The Quad and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership are in many ways the results of his diplomatic leadership.
“Mr Abe was also a giant on the world stage – a leader in the G7, the G20 and the United Nations. His legacy was one of global impact, and a profound and positive one for Australia.”
European Council President Charles Michel:
“It is with deep regret that I have learned of the passing of Shinzo Abe. I will never understand the brutal killing of this great man. Japan, Europeans mourn with you. My sincerest condolences to his wife and family.”
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen:
“A wonderful person, great democrat and champion of the multilateral world order has passed away. I mourn with his family, his friends and all the people of Japan. This brutal and cowardly murder of Shinzo Abe shocks the whole world.”
South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-you said: “Shooting of Japan’s Abe is an unforgivable act of crime.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said:
“As a mark of our deepest respect for former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, a one day national mourning shall be observed on 9 July 2022.”
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said:
“I am deeply shocked by the news of the assassination of Shinzo Abe. My thoughts are with the family of our Japanese friend who was always very kind to Poland. May he rest In peace.”