Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was fatally shot while giving a speech Friday.
Abe was making a public speech while campaigning in Nara when the tragic incident occurred, public broadcaster NHK reported.
He was rushed to a hospital and went into cardiac arrest, the local fire department told NHK.
Authorities say the former prime minister was shot from behind by an assailant who used a shotgun.
The suspect, who is male and appears to be in his 40s was apprehended by the authorities, according to reports.
Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, has made a social media post addressing the issue, “We are all saddened and shocked by the shooting of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo. Abe-san has been an outstanding leader of Japan and unwavering ally of the U.S.” Emanuel, who was previously the mayor of Chicago added, “The U.S. Government and American people are praying for the well-being of Abe-san, his family, & people of Japan.”
Leaders across the world including Biden, Obama, Putin and Boris Johnson also reacted to the news.
“This is a tragedy for Japan and for all who knew him,” President Biden said in a statement.
Former President Barack Obama said he was shocked and saddened by the news calling Abe a “friend.”
“Former Prime Minister Abe was devoted to both the country he served and the extraordinary alliance between the United States and Japan,” Obama added in his statement.
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Even Trump spoke out saying, “Really BAD NEWS FOR THE WORLD! Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is dead. He was assassinated. His killer was captured and will hopefully be dealt with swiftly and harshly. Few people know what a great man and leader Shinzo Abe was, but history will teach them and be kind.”
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