Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been reported dead after being shot twice while at an event in the Western part of the country in Nara.
Abe died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Nara following the Friday morning incident
The former prime minister was giving a speech, when he was shot from the back at a close range. The shooter used a shotgun that had been wrapped in black tape to conceal it.
According to videos that have been shared on social media, the shooter was standing just a few meters behind him and seemed to be waiting for the perfect moment to strike, which he did before taking off.
He was however arrested immediately by officers present.
JUST IN – Video shows shooter of Japan’s former PM Shinzo Abe standing right behind him before the shootingpic.twitter.com/WbHicmaaO8
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) July 8, 2022
Footage of would be Shinzo Abe assassin before and after the shooting. #ShinzoAbeShot #ShinzoAbe pic.twitter.com/yeYxfsT6PD
— Angela Porisky CCHt Ⓥ (@Angela_Porisky) July 8, 2022
The shooter has been identified as 41-year old Tetsuya Yamagami, a resident of Nara town and is said to be a former military officer
Several world leaders have expressed their shock following the shooting while standing in solidarity with his family.
“@KarenPence and I were deeply troubled to learn of the shooting of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Abe-san was a remarkable leader of Japan and an unshakeable ally of the U.S. We join millions praying for this truly good man and his family. God bless Shinzo Abe,” Former US Vice president Mike Pence said via a tweet.
“This is a tremendous blow to the wonderful people of Japan, who loved and admired him so much. We are all praying for Shinzo and his beautiful family!” Former US president Donald Trump said while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said “Shocking news from Japan that former PM Shinzo Abe has been shot. Our thoughts are with his family and the people of Japan at this time.”
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