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Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, 67, dies after being shot during campaign speech

Tetsuya Yamagami, a 41-year-old resident of the city of Nara and a military veteran has been identified as a suspect in the shooting

Former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe passed away on Friday, July 8, 2022, after he was shot from behind while he was in the middle of a campaign speech in the city of Nara, western Japan, according to various media reports. The 67-year-old was rushed to the hospital after he bled profusely. According to reports, Abe had collapsed right after he was shot.

The alleged gunman was arrested on the spot for attempted murder. NHK has identified the man as Tetsuya Yamagami, a 41-year-old resident of the city of Nara and a military veteran. Yamagami, who had a homemade double barrel gun on him, is reported to have told investigators that he was dissatisfied with Abe and targeted him with an intention to kill, NHK reported. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had earlier informed that Abe was in serious condition during a live news conference. According to broadcaster NHK, a sound similar to that of a gunshot was heard during his speech, as published by The Daily Mail. An NHK reporter added that they heard two consecutive bangs during Abe’s speech around 11:30 am local time. Shinzo Abe, for the uninitiated, was already suffering from poor health for the last few years.
 
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According to Kyodo News, Abe was not conscious and appeared to be in cardiac arrest. Abe served as Prime Minister of Japan and President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020.

According to a CNN report, the fatal shooting of Shinzo Abe has shocked Japan, which has one of the lowest rates of gun violence in the world due to its strict gun control laws. 

‘Why anyone would want to harm him at this stage’

Social media users flocked to Twitter as soon as they got the news of Shinzo Abe getting shot. “This is very sad and disturbing. I trust the Japanese to arrest those involved.” Another stated, “This is odd for a country that claims to have zero gun murders per year.” One user tweeted, “Sickening. A profoundly dark moment in a time with no shortage of them. Hoping the early reports don’t prove the worst to be true. Just terrible.”

The next one posted, “Sad and scary- hope it’s not fatal. We need to be better to each other! Life is hard for so many people right now.” And, another concluded, “I am in shock. I always had a soft spot for this leader.  I can’t even imagine why anyone would want to harm him at this stage.  It is so senseless and vicious.  The news doesn’t give me any hope.”

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Leaders from across the world have expressed concern about the tragic incident and wished a speedy recovery to the former Japanese PM. Boris Johnson wrote, "Utterly appalled and saddened to hear about the despicable attack on Shinzo Abe. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones." Former US president Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social, "Absolutely devastating news that former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, a truly great man and leader, has been shot, and is in very serious condition. He was a true friend of mine and, much more importantly, America. 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." New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern wrote, "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."

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