FORMER Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is reportedly unresponsive after being allegedly shot in the chest during a political speech.
The former Prime Minister was rushed to the hospital after collapsing.
Abe may have gone into cardiac arrest, and is unconscious, Kyodo News reported.
A suspect has been apprehended at the scene, and it has been reported that he is a young or middle aged man.
The alleged shooting took place in Nara, Japan, and was captured on video.
Read our Shinzo Abe shooting blog for updates…
- 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.
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