Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe – one of the country’s most powerful and powerful figures – has died after being shot while delivering a campaign speech. Doctors confirmed his death on Friday several hours after he was airlifted to hospital fighting for his life. Abe, 67, was shot in the back minutes after he began to address a crowd outside a train station in the western Japanese city of Nara on Friday morning. He was not breathing and his heart had stopped as he went into cardiac arrest while being transported to Nara Medical University Hospital, officials said. Abe was fighting for his life as he was airlifted to hospital earlier on Friday Doctors said Mr. Abe showed no vital signs when he arrived at the hospital. They tried to revive him and attempted massive blood transfusions, but at 17:03 local time he died. During the operation they found no bullets, but they could be recovered later. He suffered severe damage to his heart and there were two entry wounds at the base of his neck that damaged an artery, causing extensive blood loss. NHK broadcast dramatic footage showing Abe collapsed in the street, bleeding and clutching his chest as several security guards ran towards him after shots were fired. Shooting is almost unheard of in Japan due to strict private property rules. Credit: Kyodo News via AP Security guards are seen jumping over a man in a gray shirt wearing a face mask who is lying face down on the pavement. A double-barreled device that appears to be a handgun is then seen on the ground. Police confirmed they arrested Tetsuya Yamagami, 41, on suspicion of attempted murder at the scene of the shooting. A gun was found at the scene shortly after the shooting. Credit: NHK/AP NHK reported that he served in the Naval Self-Defense Force for three years in the 2000s. He reportedly admitted to police that he shot Abe and wanted to kill him, but did not reveal his motive. Want a quick and special update on the biggest news? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out what you need to know Amid an outpouring of tributes, the Queen said she – and the rest of the royal family – were “deeply saddened” by Mr Abe’s “sudden and tragic” death. The 96-year-old monarch said she had fond memories of meeting the former Japanese prime minister and his wife during their visit to the UK six years ago. In a message of condolence to the Emperor of Japan, shared on the royal family’s official Twitter account, she added: “His love for Japan and his desire to forge ever closer ties with the UK were clear.” The Duke of Cambridge also paid tribute, saying he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the death of the former prime minister, who he described as a “true statesman and dedicated leader”. “I will not forget the warmth and generosity he showed me during my visit to Japan in 2015. My thoughts are with his family and the people of Japan,” he wrote in a tweet. World leaders also expressed shock and outrage at the shooting – the likes of which are almost unheard of in Japan. Outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson described his death as “incredibly sad news”. “His global leadership in uncharted times will be remembered by many. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the Japanese people,” he tweeted. “The UK stands with you at this dark and sad time. “ London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted that he was “deeply saddened” by the news, adding: “Make no mistake—this was an attack on democracy. A shameful act of cowardice to silence a political leader.”Thoughts and prayers My thoughts are with everyone in Japan at this extremely difficult time.” Former Prime Minister Tony Blair called Mr Abe “a leader and statesman of exceptional quality and character”. He said: “I knew him and worked with him and always respected his abilities. I am shocked and saddened by his senseless murder. I send my deepest condolences to his wife Akie, with whom my wife Cherie also worked closely, and to all the people of Japan.” Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was “shocked and deeply saddened” and said her and the Scottish Government’s condolences were with Mr Abe’s family and the people of Japan. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared a national day of mourning on July 9 as a “mark of our deepest respect” for one of his “dearest friends”. “I am shocked and saddened beyond words at the tragic loss of one of my dearest friends, Shinzo Abe. He was a towering world politician, an outstanding leader and a remarkable administrator,” he added in a series of tweets. “He dedicated his life to making Japan and the world a better place.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the “barbaric and cowardly murder” of Mr Abe “shocks the whole world”. “A wonderful man, great democrat and champion of the multilateral world order has died,” he tweeted, along with a photo of him. “I mourn with his family, his friends and all the people of Japan.” Earlier, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida confirmed that Abe was in a “serious condition” and that doctors were doing everything they could to save his colleague. He condemned the attack as a “barbaric” and “unforgivable” attack on Japan’s democracy. “I pray for former Prime Minister Abe’s survival from the bottom of my heart,” said Kishida, who belongs to the same political party as Abe. “I use the harshest words to condemn (the act),” he added as he struggled to control his emotions. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was visibly emotional as he informed television stations of his colleague’s condition. Credit: AP The attack has shocked the world. Japan is considered one of the safest countries in the world with virtually no gun crime due to incredibly strict private property laws. Mr Kishida said the government planned to review security, but added that Mr Abe had the highest protection. Mr Abe, an arch-conservative and one of the country’s most divisive figures, has been Japan’s longest-serving prime minister and has served twice. He resigned in 2020 after the return of the chronic stomach condition, ulcerative colitis, which he had had since he was a teenager. The former leader remained influential in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and leads its largest faction, Seiwakai. Elections for Japan’s Upper House, the least powerful chamber of its parliament, are on Sunday.
