Shinzo Abe, Japan’s longest serving prime minister, has died after being shot in the city of Nara while campaigning for a parliamentary election, local media reports.
- Incumbent Prime Minister Fumio Kishida says Abe, 67, is in a grave condition.
- According to reports, Abe appeared to be in a state of cardiac arrest when airlifted to hospital, after having initially been conscious and responsive.
- Police say a 41-year-old man suspected of carrying out the shooting has been arrested.
- The attack has prompted shock and condemnation worldwide.
Here are the latest updates:
Germany says it is at Japan’s side after Abe dies
Germany is at Japan’s side, a German government spokesperson has said in response to news that former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe died hours after he was shot while campaigning for a parliamentary election.
Shinzo Abe: Japan’s longest-serving prime minister
Shinzo Abe smashed records as Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, championing ambitious economic reform and forging key diplomatic relationships while weathering scandals.
Abe was a sprightly 52 when he first became prime minister in 2006, the youngest person to occupy the job in the postwar era.
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.
PM Johnson says Britain stands with Japan after Abe’s death
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that Britain stood with Japan at this dark time following the “incredibly sad news” about the death of former premier Shinzo Abe in a shooting.
“Incredibly sad news about Shinzo Abe,” he said on Twitter. “His global leadership through unchartered times will be remembered by many. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the Japanese people.”
“The UK stands with you at this dark and sad time.”
Polish PM Morawiecki ‘deeply shocked’ by Abe killing
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has said he was shocked by the death former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe.
“I am deeply shocked by the news of the assassination of @AbeShinzo,” he wrote on Twitter. “My thoughts are with the family of our Japanese friend who was always very kind to Poland. May he Rest In Peace.”
Former Japan PM Abe dead after shooting: local media
Abe has been confirmed dead at hospital, public broadcaster NHK and Jiji news agency reported.
“According to a senior LDP (Liberal Democratic Party) official, former prime minister Abe died at a hospital in Kashihara city, Nara region, where he was receiving medical treatment. He was 67,” NHK said.
Macron ‘profoundly shocked’
French President Emmanuel Macron has said he is “profoundly shocked by the despicable attack” on Abe.
“Thoughts for the friends and family of a great prime minister. France stands with the Japanese people,” he wrote on Twitter.
Abe’s wife on way to hospital
The NHK public broadcaster has showed live footage of Abe’s wife, Akie, on her way by train to the hospital in Nara where he is being treated.
World reacts to shooting
Leaders from around the world have condemned the attack against Abe.
‘Act of brutality’
Kishida has told reporters Abe was in a critical condition.
“Everything that can be done is being done to revive him. I’m praying from the depths of my heart that his life will be saved,” he said, adding he was not aware of any motive.
“This attack is an act of brutality that happened during the elections – the very foundation of our democracy – and is absolutely unforgivable.”
