Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe shot dead

Shinzo Abe, Japan’s former prime minister, collapsed during a speech after gunshots were heard, according to Japan’s public broadcaster NHK.

Abe collapsed in the western Japanese city of Nara around 11:30 a.m. Friday, according to NHK. An NHK correspondent reportedly heard two gunshots and saw Abe fall as he was bleeding from his chest.

BREAKING: Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot dead in the city of Nara, NHK reports. pic.twitter.com/R6vshJ4Elh

— The Japan Times (@japantimes) July 8, 2022

The former prime minister was reportedly rushed to hospital after the incident. Abe shows no vital signs after the reported gunshot, according to Japanese media.

#BREAKING Former Japanese Prime Minister Abe shows no vital signs after attack (local media) pic.twitter.com/Tnv9JNaCTA

— AFP news agency (@AFP) July 8, 2022

The Associated Press reports: “In Japan, officials sometimes use the term [heart failure] to describe situations where victims are no longer alive but before a formal declaration of death has been made.

The third video shows the shooting of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the arrest of the shooter

NOTE: Video is not graphic, but viewer discretion is recommended pic.twitter.com/xsskEZzBMQ

– BNO News (@BNONews) July 8, 2022

US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel tweeted that he was “saddened and shocked” by the news and prayed for Abe’s well-being:

We are all saddened and shocked by the assassination of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo. Abe-san was an outstanding leader of Japan and a staunch ally of the United States. The United States government and the American people pray for the well-being of Abe-san, his family, and the people of Japan.

— ラーム・エマニュエル駐日米国大使 (@USAmbJapan) July 8, 2022