Japan's Longest Serving Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, Shot Dead During Election Campaign

Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who was shot in the chest from close range during an election campaign rally in the country's western region of Nara on Friday, has died, the Japanese government has confirmed.

Abe who was rushed to the Nara Medical University Hospital with him not showing any vital signs, died during treatment.

AFP

"Shinzo Abe was transported to (the hospital) at 12.20pm. He was in a state of cardiac arrest upon arrival. Resuscitation was administered. However, unfortunately he died at 5.03pm," said Hidetada Fukushima, professor of emergency medicine at Nara Medical University hospital.

Following Abe's death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India will mark a day of mourning on Saturday.

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.

¡ª Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2022

Shot while delivering election speech

"Former prime minister Abe was shot at around 11:30 am," in the country's western region of Nara, chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters.

"One man, believed to be the shooter, has been taken into custody. The condition of former prime minister Abe is currently unknown."

"Whatever the reason, such a barbaric act can never be tolerated, and we strongly condemn it," Matsuno added.

AP

According to reports, Abe was delivering a stump speech at an event ahead of Sunday's upper house elections when the apparent sound of gunshots was heard.

The gunman reportedly came from behind and fired two shots at Abe.

The first bullet is believed to have missed him and there was a loud noise after the second shot was fired.

Abe collapsed after the second shot and was bleeding from the neck.

The male suspect, who appears to be in his 40s, has been arrested for allegedly attempting homicide and the police are interrogating him.

The police have said they seized a gun at the site which the man was apparently holding.

AFP/ File

Japan's longest serving PM

67-year-old Abe, Japan's longest-serving prime minister, held office in 2006 for one year and again from 2012 to 2020 when he was forced to step down due to the debilitating bowel condition ulcerative colitis.

Abe was a sprightly 52 when he first became prime minister in 2006, the youngest person ever to occupy the job.

He was seen as a symbol of change and youth, but also brought the pedigree of a third-generation politician groomed from birth by an elite, conservative family.

Abe's first term was turbulent, plagued by scandals and discord, and capped by an abrupt resignation.

After initially suggesting he was stepping down for political reasons, he acknowledged he was suffering an ailment later diagnosed as ulcerative colitis.

Reuters/ File

The man behind Abenomics

He was succeeded by his close party ally Yoshihide Suga, who was later replaced by Fumio Kishida.

His most notable feat as the Prime Minister was Abenomics, a term referring to Abe's economic policies, which saw Japan emerge as one of the strongest economies in the world.

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