Shinzo Abe, who collapsed after a second shot was fired, was airlifted to a hospital for emergency treatment, but he showed no ‘vital signs’
In this image from a video, Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, center, is attended on the ground in Nara, western Japan. AP
Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has passed away after he was shot during a campaign speech Friday in western Japan, according to local media.
Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe has been confirmed dead after he was shot at a campaign event on Friday, 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.
Abe was shot twice, with the second shot hitting him in the back, causing him to fall to the ground.
Ex-Tokyo governor Yoichi Masuzoe said in a tweet that the 67-year-old Mr Abe was in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest.
NHK reports said he was bleeding while campaigning around 11:30 am JST.
A gunshot like sound was heard at the time NHK said. An NHK reporter on the scene said they could hear two consecutive bangs during Abe’s speech. His security personnel were seen rushing to his aid, in videos and pictures captured.
According to reports, Shinzo Abe collapsed after a second shot was fired. Several media reports said he appeared to have been shot from behind, possibly with a shotgun.
The prime minister’s assailant was caught by the police and was arrested for attempted murder, local media reported.
Photos posted on social media Friday show a suspect being held down on the ground, his arms restrained.
The man appeared to be in his 40s and a gun had been confiscated, said public broadcaster NHK, citing police sources.
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