FORMER Japanese PM Shinzo Abe is fighting for life after a gunman shot him in the chest during a political rally.
Yamagami Tetsuya has been named as the suspected gunman.
The 41-year-old was immediately apprehended after allegedly shooting former PM Abe.
Mr Abe is reportedly unresponsive after being shot in the chest during a political speech – with EMTs saying he is showing "no vital signs" as he remains unconscious.
He was rushed to the hospital after collapsing – and may have gone into cardiac arrest, Kyodo News reported.
The alleged shooting took place in Nara, Japan, and was captured on video.
Read our Shinzo Abe shooting blog for updates…
- Joseph Gamp
Shinzo Abe in 'grave condition'
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said former premier Shinzo Abe is in a "very grave condition" after being shot on Friday.
"I pray that former prime minister Abe will survive," Kishida said. "It is a barbaric act during election campaigning, which is the foundation of democracy, and it is absolutely unforgivable.
"I condemn this act in the strongest terms."
- Joseph Gamp
Boris Johnson 'utterly appalled' over Shinzo Abe shooting
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was "utterly appalled" at the shooting of former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe.
Japanese media reported the 67-year-old had gone into heart failure on Friday after the attack during a campaign speech.
The country's national broadcaster NHK TV said Mr Abe was bleeding and holding his chest when he collapsed and was rushed to a hospital.
Mr Johnson tweeted: "Utterly appalled and saddened to hear about the despicable attack on Shinzo Abe. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones."
- Joseph Gamp
Current PM gives update on Shinzo
Fumio Kishida says Shinzo Abe remains in a critical condition in hospital.
“Currently doctors are doing everything they can, at this moment. I am hoping and praying that former prime minister Abe will survive this,” he says.
Kishida slammed the shooting as a “heinous act”.
- Joseph Gamp
Pictured: Shinzo Abe receives CPR after being shot by gunman
Abe was seen holding his chest after reportedly suffering two gunshot wounds that left him bloodied on the ground.
He was quickly airlifted to a hospital but wasn't breathing and his heart had stopped, according to the Associated Press.
The former prime minister showed no vital signs, NHK quoted firefighters as saying.
As first responders rushed to save Abe's life, police captured Yamagami Tetsuya, 41, for the alleged attempted murder, according to NHK.
- Joseph Gamp
Who is the current Japanese Prime Minister?
Fumio Kishida became Prime Minster of Japan in 2021.
He succeeded Yoshihide Suga, who served for one year.
Kishisa previously served as Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2012 to 2017, and then as acting Minister of Defense in 2017.
He has a wife and three sons.
- Joseph Gamp
US Secretary of State describes shooting as 'a very very sad moment'
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed deep concern over the condition of Shinzo Abe.
“Our thoughts, our prayers are with him, with his family, with the people of Japan,” Blinken said on the sidelines of a G20 meeting on the Indonesian island of Bali.
“This is a very, very sad moment. And we’re awaiting news from Japan.”
- Joseph Gamp
Indian PM 'deeply distressed' by Shinzo shooting
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Friday he was "deeply distressed" by the shooting of Shinzo Abe, describing the former Japanese premier as a "dear friend".
"Deeply distressed by the attack on my dear friend Abe," Modi wrote on Twitter. "Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the people of Japan."
- Joseph Gamp
What happened at the campaign event in Nara?
Abe was making a speech at a campaign event in Nara at about 11.30am local time when he was allegedly shot from behind.
Two gunshots were reportedly fired, producing white clouds of smoke.
Abe collapsed after the second shot was fired, according to reports.
He was rushed to the hospital following the incident and is reportedly fighting for his life.
Local Japanese outlets report that Abe is not showing any vital signs.
A suspect – reportedly a man in his 40s – was quickly apprehended by police.
The campaign event was in preparation for the July 10 upper house election.
- Jennifer Korn
Indian leaders react
Rahul Gandhi said Shinzo Abe "has been instrumental in deepening Indo-Japanese ties."
Jyotiraditya M. Scindia called the Japanese leader a "true friend" of India.
- Jennifer Korn
Shinzo Abe and President Trump feeding fish
The former leaders were filmed feeding fish together when they both held office.
Both leaders notably dumped the entire tray of food.
- Jennifer Korn
The current Japanese Prime Minister
Fumio Kishida became Prime Minster of Japan in 2021.
Kishisa previously served as Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2012 to 2017, and then as acting Minister of Defense in 2017.
- Jennifer Korn
Who is Shinzo Abe?
The 67-year-old served from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020.
Shinzo Abe is the longest-serving Prime Minister in Japan's history.
He stepped down in 2020, citing health reasons.
- Jennifer Korn
Shooting suspect named
Tetsuya Yamagami has been named as the suspected gunman.
The 41-year-old was immediately apprehended after allegedly shooting former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
- Jennifer Korn
Suspect photographed
The suspected gunman was apprehended on the scene by security officers.
His identity has yet to be disclosed, but he is reported to be a young or middle-aged man.
Shinzo Abe was reportedly shot in the chest and fell to the ground while giving a speech.
A security officer seizes a suspect who is believed to have shot former Prime Minister Shinzo AbeCredit: The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images - Jennifer Korn
Shinzo Abe pictured moments before alleged attack
Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was photographed moments before he was shot in the chest during his speech.
The attack took place in Nara, Japan, in front of Yamatosaidaiji Station.
Shinzo Abe has been rushed to the hospital and is reportedly unresponsive.
Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe makes a street speech before being shot in front of Yamatosaidaiji StationCredit: The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images
- Jennifer Korn
Shinzo Abe on his illness
The former Prime Minister said: I have been struggling with my illness and I have to get treatment. Poor health should not lead to wrong political decisions."
There had been speculation that Abe was suffering from the disease and had been vomiting blood after he made two trips to the hospital before stepping down.
The 65-year-old, who has battled ulcerative colitis disease for years, ended his first stint as Prime Minister in 2007 because of the same illness.
Abe, Japan's longest-serving PM, apologized to citizens from the bottom of his heart for not being able to fulfill his duties.
- Jennifer Korn
Shinzo Abe's battle with ulcerative colitis
The former Prime Minister stepped down in 2020 due to health issues.
He revealed that he has suffered from ulcerative colitis since he was a teenager.
- Jennifer Korn
Heart failure in Japan
Sometimes, officials in Japan will use the term "heart failure" to describe victims who are no longer alive, but before a formal death declaration has been made, according to AP News.
It is not immediately clear if Shinzo Abe is still showing vital signs.
- Jennifer Korn
ACT for America: 'Pray for Shinzo Abe'
A photo of the former Prime Minister and US President Donald Trump was also shared.
- Jennifer Korn
'Praying for Prime Minister Abe'
Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro said he is "praying for Prime Minister Abe as we learn more about today's attack."
"I worked closely with his government through the U.S.-Japan Caucus, and I saw how his strong and capable leadership moved the country and our alliance forward," he added.
"Hoping to hear good news on his condition soon."
- Jennifer Korn
Suspect apprehended
A suspect has been apprehended at the scene, and it has been reported that he is a young or middle-aged man.
Japan has some of the strictest gun laws in developed nations, so shootings are rare.
- Jennifer Korn
Rahm Emanuel issues statement
US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel issued a statement after former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot.
"We are all saddened and shocked by the shooting of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo," he wrote on Twitter.
"Abe-san has been an outstanding leader of Japan and unwavering ally of the U.S."
"The U.S. Government and American people are praying for the well-being of Abe-san, his family, & people of Japan."
- Jennifer Korn
Shinzo Abe was giving a speech
He was standing while making an election campaign speech ahead of Sunday’s election for the parliament’s upper house.
Witnesses reported hearing gunshots in the apparent attack in Nara, the AP said.
Shinzo Abe was holding his chest when he collapsed, with his shirt smeared with blood.
- Jennifer Korn
Shinzo Abe in reported heart failure
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was in heart failure after apparently being shot during a campaign speech Friday, NHK public television said.
The broadcaster aired footage showing Abe, 67, collapsed on the street in Nara, Japan, with several security guards running toward him, the AP reported.
Source: Read Full Article
