World Leaders Condemn Assasination Atempt of Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

JAKARTADAILY.ID – Shocking news came from Japan today as former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot in the chest in what appears to be an assassination attempt.

Nikkei Asia reported on Friday, July 8, 2022, that Shinzo Abe was shot using what appeared to be a homemade firearm, during his election campaign trail.

The man who is regarded as one of the most influential leaders in Japan's postwar history was shot when he made a street speech for Sunday's upper house election in the western city of Nara.

NHK World reported on the same day that Abe Shinzo is currently in hospital "without vital signs" after being shot.

The report went on to say that Japanese police have arrested Yamagami Tetsuya for attempted murder.

"Investigative sources told NHK a gun seized at the scene appeared to be handmade. The 41-year-old suspect lives in Nara city where the shooting took place. Video taken by an NHK reporter appears to show security for the event apprehending someone," NHK said in its news report titled "Japan's former PM Abe reportedly without vital signs after being shot."

"Our reporter at the scene heard two shots around 11:30 a.m., shortly after Abe began to speak. He was in the city to support a candidate in this weekend's Upper House election," NHK said in the report.

NHK, also called the Japan Broadcasting Corporation and shortened from Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai, is a Japanese public broadcaster.

The broadcaster said there is no further update on Abe's condition, while emergency officials said he does not appear to have any life signs.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Abe is in "very grave condition."

Abe is known as Japan’s longest-serving prime minister and the youngest person in the country to take on the duty. He was 52 years old when he became the prime minister in 2006.

World leaders condemn the act

The news shocked the world leaders. Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he is deeply shocked by the shooting of Shinzo Abe.

PM Lee posted a comment on his Facebook, saying "I am deeply shocked to learn that former Japanese prime minister Abe Shinzo was shot in Nara prefecture this morning. This is a senseless act of violence. Mr. Abe is in critical condition and doctors are working to save him."