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Tokyo, Japan – Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated today, shot dead while leaving a political rally while he was making a speech on a street in Nara on Friday.
Abe, who served as Prime Minister of Japan from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020 chest by an unknown assailant. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Abe’s death has sent shockwaves throughout Japan, and his assassination is being mourned as a great loss to the country. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, and the motive is still unknown., was leaving a political rally in Tokyo when he was shot twice in the head by an unknown assailant. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The motive for the assassination is unknown, but it is believed that the assailant may have been a political opponent of Abe.
Abe’s death is a major blow to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, which is currently in the midst of a tough re-election campaign.
As Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, the assassination of Abe just two days before the Upper House election has shaken the nation, with politicians of all stripes condemning the attack as an affront to democracy.
In the wake of the assassination, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has postponed the election, which was scheduled for Sunday.
The police arrested the man suspected of killing Abe, who was giving a campaign speech in front of Yamato Saidaiji Station when the attack took place at around 11:30 a.m.
The attack and a motive remains under investigation, but police said the suspect told investigators that he was dissatisfied with the former prime minister and intended to kill him, according to NHK.
Videos of the incident showed two shots being fired. Japan is known for having one of the strictest gun control laws in the world.
Abe, who was first elected to the Lower House in 1993, became prime minister in December 2012.
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Condolences have been pouring in from around the world.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi “shocked and deeply saddened” by “attack” on Abe
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday joined a chorus of world leaders to share his well wishes after former Japanese leader Shinzo Abe was shot.
“Deeply distressed by the attack on my dear friend Abe Shinzo,” PM Modi wrote on Twitter. “Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the people of Japan.”
“I am shocked and saddened beyond words at the tragic demise of one of my dearest friends, Shinzo Abe. He was a towering global statesman, an outstanding leader, and a remarkable administrator. He dedicated his life to make Japan and the world a better place.
My association with Mr. Abe goes back many years. I had got to know him during my tenure as Gujarat CM and our friendship continued after I became PM. His sharp insights on economy and global affairs always made a deep impression on me.
During my recent visit to Japan, I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Abe again and discuss many issues. He was witty and insightful as always. Little did I know that this would be our last meeting. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the Japanese people.
Mr. Abe made an immense contribution to elevating India-Japan relations to the level of a Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Today, whole India mourns with Japan and we stand in solidarity with our Japanese brothers and sisters in this difficult moment.
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.
Sharing a picture from my most recent meeting with my dear friend, Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. Always passionate about strengthening India-Japan ties, he had just taken over as the Chairman of the Japan-India Association.” – PM Modi wrote on Facebook.
“My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Japan. Events like this shake us all to the core,” says New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she was “deeply shocked” to hear about the shooting of former Japanese leader Shinzo Abe on Friday.
“So deeply shocked to hear about the past PM of Japan-Shinzo Abe. He was one of the first leaders I met when I became PM. He was deeply committed to his role but also generous & kind. My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Japan. Events like this shake us all to the core.” -Ardern wrote on Twitter
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom British Boris Johnson “saddened” by Abe
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday said he was “Utterly appalled and saddened to hear about the despicable attack on Shinzo Abe. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.” on twitter.
U.S. President Donald Trump said in a tweet that he was “saddened by the loss of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.”
“He was a great friend of mine and the United States, and I send my deepest condolences to his family,” Trump said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a message that he was “shocked and saddened” by the news.
“I believe that under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Abe, Japan will overcome this difficult time and continue to play an important role in regional and international affairs,” Xi said.
The incident was unexpected, given Japan is often regarded as one of the world’s safest countries, with the strongest gun laws in place.
First, would-be gun owners must attend an all-day class and pass a written test on firearms safety. They must also pass a rigorous background check that looks for any criminal record or mental health issues.
Then, they must attend a six-hour class on the use of the specific type of gun they want to buy. After that, they have to pass a shooting range test.
Only then can they buy a gun. They are required to keep their guns in a locked safe at home and are not allowed to carry them in public.
