Summary: former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe shot dead in Nara
- World leaders have paid tribute after former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe died, aged 67, after being shot while making a speech in the western city of Nara.
- Footage and accounts broadcast by Japanese media showed Abe’s speech interrupted by two loud bangs and smoke, with Abe stumbling to the ground after the second shot.
- Abe, the country’s longest-serving prime minister until he resigned in 2020, was flown to hospital by helicopter after the attack.
- At a news conference at Nara Medical University hospital, medics said Abe had no vital signs when he arrived at the hospital but that they conducted resuscitation. “It was extremely serious, it was very grave,” the medic said of his condition on arrival. Abe had two wounds in the neck and subcutaneous haemorrhage. He was confirmed dead at 5.03pm.
- Police arrested a 41-year-old man at the scene. He has been named as unemployed Tetsuya Yamagami, from Nara. He is a former member of the maritime self-defence force, according to Fuji TV. He reportedly left the force in 2005.
- Police told the media that that a 90-person taskforce has been established to investigate the crime, and that the suspect had admitted to shooting the former prime minister with a homemade weapon.
- The suspect told police that he believed Abe was part of a “specific organisation” Yamagami had a grudge against. The police would not reveal the name of the organisation.
- The police claim to have confiscated several similar homemade weapons to that used in the attack from a search at the suspect’s house.
- Mourners have been leaving flowers and offerings at a makeshift memorial at the site of the shooting.
- It was the first assassination of a sitting or former Japanese premier since the days of prewar militarism in the 1930s.
- In an emotional speech, Japan’s current prime minister, Fumio Kishida, said Abe had led the country “with great leadership”, and he was “lost for words”.
- US president Joe Biden has said he is “stunned, outraged and deeply saddened”, describing Abe’s death as a “tragedy for Japan and for all who knew him.”
Thank you for following our coverage, we will shortly be closing this blog. You can keep up-to-date with the latest reports and developments here.
Updated
Here is a video clip of Japan’s prime minster, Fumio Kishida, a protege of Shinzo Abe, struggling to keep his emotions in check as he spoke to the nation after the former prime minister was shot. Kishida said “The free and fair election, which is the root of democracy, needs to be protected no matter what. We will not be defeated by violence.”
This picture has been released which shows the police investigating the death of former prime minister Shinzo Abe in Japan arriving at the residence of an unemployed 41-year-old man. The man was apprehended after the shooting, and police say he admitted using a homemade weapon to attack Abe.
Updated
Biden: 'stunned, outraged and deeply saddened' by 'tragedy for Japan'
US president Joe Biden has said he is “stunned, outraged and deeply saddened” by the death of Shinzo Abe, describing his death as a “tragedy for Japan and for all who knew him.”
In a statement from the White House, Biden said:
I had the privilege to work closely with prime minister Abe. As vice president, I visited him in Tokyo and welcomed him to Washington. He was a champion of the alliance between our nations and the friendship between our people.
The longest serving Japanese Prime Minister, his vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific will endure. Above all, he cared deeply about the Japanese people and dedicated his life to their service. Even at the moment he was attacked, he was engaged in the work of democracy.
While there are many details that we do not yet know, we know that violent attacks are never acceptable and that gun violence always leaves a deep scar on the communities that are affected by it. The United States stands with Japan in this moment of grief. I send my deepest condolences to his family.
Justin McCurry writes for us from Tokyo:
The people of Japan are in a state of shock after the violent death of the former prime minister Shinzo Abe, the country’s most influential politician of recent decades, who was shot while making a campaign speech in the western city of Nara on Friday.
Japan’s longest-serving leader will be remembered primarily for his political staying power, having returned to office in 2012, six years after being forced out by scandal and poor health.
His signature “Abenomics” policy, which sought to lift the world’s third-biggest economy out of decades of stagnation, attracted more international attention than is usually reserved for Japanese leaders. On the foreign policy front, his support for a more prominent role for Japan’s military to counter growing threats from North Korea and a more assertive China won praise in Washington but engendered suspicion in Beijing.
A conservative from a family with a strong political pedigree, Abe believed Japan should end decades of “masochistic” reflection over its role in the second world war – a revisionist approach that led to a dramatic deterioration in ties between Japan and South Korea.
Read more of Justin McCurry’s profile: Shinzo Abe – from young symbol of change to Japan’s longest-serving PM
Police name suspected attacker and say they have found multiple handmade weapons at his house
Police in Nara, the Japanese city where former prime minister Shinzo Abe was shot dead earlier today, have said at a media briefing that they have confiscated several similar homemade weapons to those used in the attack from a search at the suspect’s house.
They told the media that a 90-person taskforce has been established to investigate the crime, and that Shinzo Abe was confirmed dead at 5.03pm local time.
The suspect, unemployed 41-year-old Tetsuya Yamagami, was apprehended at the site, and the police stated that he has admitted to shooting the former prime minister with a homemade weapon.
The suspect told police that he believed Abe was part of a “specific organisation” which Yamagami had a grudge against. The police would not reveal the name of the organisation.
The police claim to have confiscated several similar homemade weapons to that used in the attack from a search at the suspect’s house. They described the weapon as being 40cm long and 20cm high, but also implied they were treating it with caution due to “the possibility of a detonation”.
Police would not say whether any bullets were found at the scene.
The police say they believe the suspect travelled to the event by train, but they would not specify how long Yamagami had waited for Abe. They also said their investigation will include the level of security at the event.
The Nara police stalled several questions by saying that because of the implications to ongoing investigations, they were unwilling to disclose further information.
Updated
The UN secretary general has also just responded to the death of Shinzo Abe. António Guterres writes on Twitter:
I’m deeply saddened by the horrific killing of Shinzo Abe, former prime minister of Japan. I had the privilege of knowing him for years and will always remember his collegiality and commitment to multilateralism. My condolences to his family, and the people and government of Japan.
I’m deeply saddened by the horrific killing of Shinzo Abe, former Prime Minister of Japan.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) July 8, 2022
I had the privilege of knowing him for years & will always remember his collegiality & commitment to multilateralism.
My condolences to his family, and the people & Government of Japan.
Updated
Former US president Barack Obama has issued a statement on the death of Shinzo Abe. He says:
I am shocked and saddened by the assassination of my friend and longtime partner Shinzo Abe in Japan. Former prime minister Abe was devoted to both the country he served and the extraordinary alliance between the United States and Japan.
I will always remember the work we did to strengthen our alliance, the moving experience of traveling to Hiroshima and Pearl Harbor together, and the grace he and his wife Akie Abe showed to me and Michelle.
Updated
Police say they believe the suspect used a train to get to the location. They could not say how long the suspect had been in the area before the attack took place.
Journalists questioned police about the security arrangements for Abe’s visit, and they defended their arrangements.
The police in Nara have claimed that a search of the suspect’s house in Nara has led them to discover several handmade weapons. They say they are similar to the one used in the attacks.
Earlier, local media reported that explosives had been found in the house.
The police have stalled on answering a couple of questions, saying: “There could be implications on the investigation” and they are therefore withholding their response.
Updated
The police have given some details on the dimensions of the gun used in the attack. They have said it is 40cm long and 20cm in height, but as for its weight the police said “we will not be able to respond because of the possibility of its detonation.”
Police have been asked to clarify the type of weapon used, and confirmed it was a homemade gun. The officer said “I think he has a licence for hunting” but that they are currently investigating that.
They were asked to explain why they are saying the gun is homemade, and they say that is what the suspect said, and that it is apparent from appearance that it is homemade.
The police in Nara have been asked in the press conference whether the suspect said he had an intention to kill. Police say he admitted he had shot at the former prime minister. The police say the suspect has not said he is affiliated to any organisation.
Police briefing on Abe murder begins in Nara
The police in Nara are giving a live press briefing. They say the suspect, after he was apprehended, said he believed that Abe was connected to an organisation against which he had a grudge, but the police say they wish to refrain from making any more detailed comments on this issue.
The outgoing British prime minister Boris Johnson has said his country stands with Japan at this “dark and sad time”. He tweeted:
Incredibly sad news about Shinzo Abe. His global leadership through unchartered times will be remembered by many. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the Japanese people. The UK stands with you at this dark and sad time.
Micheál Martin, Ireland’s taoiseach, said he was “deeply saddened by the appalling death” of Abe.
“He was a strong and committed democrat, and it is especially shocking that he was murdered while engaged in that most democratic of activities, campaigning ahead of an election.
“Putting your arguments before an electorate and asking for their vote is at the very heart of what we believe in as democratic politicians. The attack on former prime minister Abe is therefore an attack on democracy itself. It is all the more shocking that it happened in a peace-loving country like Japan.
“My most heartfelt and sincere sympathies are with the people of Japan, whom Abe served with such commitment and distinction; with prime minister Kishida and his colleagues across government; and especially with Mr Abe’s family.
“On this very sad occasion, on behalf of the government and people of Ireland, I extend our most profound condolences and solidarity.”
Updated
Here are some of the latest images sent to us from Nara in Japan, where earlier the former prime minister Shinzo Abe was shot dead. A makeshift memorial has been made at the location.
Leaders of the European Union have joined those around the world offering Japan condolences on the assassination of Shinzo Abe, with Ursula von der Leyen saying that he was a “wonderful person” and a “great democrat”, and Charles Michel saying he “will never understand the brutal killing”.
The president of the European Commission said in her message “A wonderful person, great democrat and champion of the multilateral world order has passed away. I mourn with his family, his friends and all the people of Japan. This brutal and cowardly murder of Shinzo Abe shocks the whole world.”
A wonderful person, great democrat and champion of the multilateral world order has passed away.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) July 8, 2022
I mourn with his family, his friends and all the people of Japan.
This brutal and cowardly murder of @AbeShinzo shocks the whole world. pic.twitter.com/ztSJnlDsi6
The president of the European Council said “It is with deep regret that I have learned of the passing of Shinzo Abe. I will never understand the brutal killing of this great man. Japan, Europeans mourn with you. My sincerest condolences to his wife and family.”
It is with deep regret that I have learned of the passing of @AbeShinzo
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) July 8, 2022
I will never understand the brutal killing of this great man.
Japan, Europeans mourn with you.
My sincerest condolences to his wife and family. https://t.co/AH9JA5s4U0
The Japan Times is reporting that Sunday’s election for the Upper House will go ahead as planned, despite the assassination of Shinzo Abe while he was campaigning in Nara earlier today. It reports:
Following former prime minister Shinzo Abe’s assassination on Friday — two days before the Upper House election on Sunday — questions immediately arose about whether the vote would be held as scheduled.
After the shooting, prime minister Fumio Kishida instructed his relevant ministers to increase security to make sure that the election will take place fairly. Toshimitsu Motegi, secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic Party, told reporters that election campaigning will be held as scheduled Saturday “to show that (we) will not succumb to violence.”
The assassination of Abe has nonetheless impacted election campaigning, causing major parties and Cabinet ministers to cancel their events.
The ruling LDP, to which Abe belonged, said it had canceled canvassing by party executives on Friday. The LDP’s ruling coalition partner Komeito, the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and Nippon Ishin no Kai canceled all of their campaigning for the day.
Kishida also instructed all ministers to return to Tokyo for a Cabinet meeting to share information and discuss the government response.
The Guardian community team is gathering your reactions to the death of Shinzo Abe to feature as part of our coverage. You can share your thoughts via a form you can find on this page.
Find out more here: Share your reaction to the death of Shinzo Abe
Updated
Shinzo Abe shot dead: What we know so far
- World leaders have paid tribute after former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe died, aged 67, after being shot while making a speech in the western city of Nara.
- Abe, the country’s longest-serving prime minister until he resigned in 2020, was flown to hospital by helicopter after the attack.
- At a news conference at Nara Medical University hospital medics said that Abe had no vital signs when he arrived at the hospital but that they conducted resuscitation. “It was extremely serious, it was very grave,” the medic said of his condition on arrival. He had two wounds in the neck and subcutaneous haemorrhage. Abe was confirmed dead at 5.03pm.
- In an emotional speech, Japan’s current prime minister, Fumio Kishida, said Abe had led the country “with great leadership”, and he was “lost for words”.
- Footage and accounts broadcast by Japanese media showed Abe’s speech interrupted by two loud bangs – possibly from a shotgun – and smoke, with Abe stumbling to the ground after the second shot.
- Police arrested a 42-year-old man at the scene. He has been named as Tetsuya Yamagami, from Nara. He is a former member of the maritime self-defence force, according to Fuji TV. He reportedly left the force in 2005.
- Media reports quoted police as saying that the weapon thought to have been used in the attack was homemade. Japan’s gun-ownership restrictions do not allow private citizens to have handguns, and licensed hunters may own only rifles.
- Police are to give a further press briefing at 9.30pm local time (1230 GMT)
- It was the first assassination of a sitting or former Japanese premier since the days of prewar militarism in the 1930s.
The former US President Donald Trump has posted on his own social media platform to say that the death of Shinzo Abe was “really bad news for the world”. Trump added:
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. He was a unifier like no other, but above all, he was a man who loved and cherished his magnificent country, Japan. Shinzo Abe will be greatly missed. There will never be another like him.
Also paying tribute has been Trump’s former secretary of state, and possible future presidential candidate in the UK, Mike Pompeo. Pompeo tweeted:
PM Shinzo Abe was a dear friend, true patriot, and great ally to the American people. Susan [Pompeo’s wife] and I are so saddened to hear of his death. We stand with the people of Japan in mourning his passing and celebrating his tremendous legacy.
PM Shinzo Abe was a dear friend, true patriot, and great ally to the American people. Susan and I are so saddened to hear of his death. We stand with the people of Japan in mourning his passing and celebrating his tremendous legacy.
— Mike Pompeo (@mikepompeo) July 8, 2022
Reuters reports that the police in Nara will be holding a press briefing at 9.30pm local time (12.30pm GMT and 1.30pm BST in UK), in just under an hour.
Updated
France’s president Emmanuel Macron has sent his condolences to Japan on behalf of the nation, tweeting:
On behalf of the French people, I send my condolences to the Japanese authorities and people after the assassination of Shinzo Abe. Japan has lost a great prime minister, who dedicated his life to his country and worked to bring balance to the world.
Au nom du peuple français, j’adresse mes condoléances aux autorités et au peuple japonais après l’assassinat de Shinzo Abe. Le Japon perd un grand Premier ministre, qui dédia sa vie à son pays et œuvra à l’équilibre du monde.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 8, 2022
Earlier on, when Abe’s condition was unclear, Macron had said he was “deeply shocked by the heinous attack”.
It is now 8.30pm in Japan, and people have been gathering and leaving flowers and offerings at the place where former prime minister Shinzo Abe was shot and killed earlier in the day.
Updated
India has reacted to Shinzo Abe’s death and declared one day of state mourning for tomorrow, with flags flying at half-mast.
India’s president Rashtrapati Bhavan has tweeted:
I find it difficult to believe that Shinzo Abe is no more. He was a great statesman, & his infectious affability endeared him the world over. That he fell prey to an assassin’s bullet is a tragedy for the whole humanity. My heartfelt condolences to his family and people of Japan.
I find it difficult to believe that Shinzo Abe is no more. He was a great statesman, & his infectious affability endeared him the world over. That he fell prey to an assassin’s bullet is a tragedy for the whole humanity. My heartfelt condolences to his family and people of Japan.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 8, 2022
His sentiments have been echoed by MP Amit Shah, who wrote he was “pained to learn about the assassination”, adding:
His efforts in strengthening the India-Japan relationship will always be held fondly in our memories. My deepest condolences to his family, followers & the people of Japan
Pained to learn about the assassination of the former PM of Japan and India’s valued friend, Mr Shinzo Abe. His efforts in strengthening the India-Japan relationship will always be held fondly in our memories. My deepest condolences to his family, followers & the people of Japan.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 8, 2022
Updated
Our picture desk has put together a gallery of Shinzo Abe’s life in pictures, going back to the 1950s, and including pictures of him meeting many world leaders during his time in office.
You can view the full gallery here: Shinzo Abe – a life in pictures
Updated
US secretary of state Antony Blinken called the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday “shocking” and “profoundly disturbing,” describing him as a leader of great vision and an extraordinary partner for the United States.
Reuters report Blinken made the comments at the start of a trilateral meeting with his Japanese and South Korean counterparts on the sidelines of a meeting of Group of 20 foreign ministers in Bali.
Blinken said that to the United States, Abe “was an extraordinary partner and someone who was clearly a great leader.”
He said Abe brought the relationship between the United States and Japan “to new heights” during his time in office.
“He was a leader with great vision,” Blinken said calling Abe’s death “a loss for Japan, a loss for the world.”
Another former British prime minister, Tony Blair, has issued a statement about the death of Shinzo Abe. The former Labour leader, who was prime minister from 1997 to 2007, said Abe was a “leader and statesman of extraordinary quality and character”, adding:
I knew him and worked with him and always had huge respect for his capability. 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.
- This is Martin Belam taking over the live blog from my colleague Rebecca Ratcliffe. You can contact me at martin.belam@theguardian.com
The Italian prime minister, Mario Draghi, expressed his deepest condolences on behalf of his government for the death of Shinzo Abe. “Italy is shocked by the terrible attack, which affects Japan and its free democratic debate. Abe has been a great protagonist of Japanese and international political life in recent decades, thanks to his innovative spirit and his vision of reform. Italy’s thoughts are with his loved ones, the government and the entire Japanese population.”
“I’m deeply shocked by the news of the tragic death of Shinzo Abe,” wrote Enrico Letta, leader of the Democratic party, on Twitter. “My thoughts are with his family and people of Japan.”
“I am shocked by the attack on Shinzo Abe, who guided Japan with confidence and vision during a difficult time, and whom I consider my friend,” said Silvio Berlusconi, former Italian prime minister and leader of Forza Italia. “Thanks to him, relations between our countries have absolutely improved. I am thinking of his family.”
Remembering Shinzo Abe, Japan’s longest-serving prime minister – video obituary
There has been huge interest on China’s internet in the killing of Abe Shinzo. The hashtag #Abe Shinzo has died# is now one of the top three trending topics on China’s Weibo, attracting more than 500 million reads.
Weibo users’ reactions to Abe’s assassination have been mixed.
The former Japanese prime minister is perceived as a “China hawk”. Chinese nationalists remember his controversial visit to Yasukuni Shrine - a symbol of the militarism of Japan during and before WWII - in 2013. They also criticise his instrumental role in the formation of the Quad group, which is seen by Beijing as a grouping that attempts to contain China.
But amid harsh words by Chinese nationalists, China’s foreign ministry tried to distance itself from these unsympathetic comments. Beijing’s spokesperson expressed “shock” at Abe’s assassination and extended condolences to his family.
On Friday, Zhao Lijian, the foreign ministry spokesperson, refused to respond to Chinese netizens’ comments, and said that this incident “should not be linked to Sino-Japanese relations”.
Zhao also said that his country noticed Abe’s “previous contribution towards the improvement and development of the bilateral ties”.
Politicians and leaders around the world continue to send their condolences.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization, said he was deeply saddened by Abe’s death, writing that he will be “greatly missed”.
Deeply saddened by the tragic death of Shinzo Abe, former Prime Minister of #Japan and an outstanding champion for #HealthForAll. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Japan. He will be greatly missed.
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) July 8, 2022
Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned what he described as a “heinous attack”, and called Abe a “dear friend”.
Petr Fiala, prime minister of the Czech Republic, said he was “deeply saddened” by Abe’s death, writing: “My thoughts and prayers are with his family and with the people of Japan.”
I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and with the people of Japan.
— Petr Fiala (@P_Fiala) July 8, 2022
Yair Lapid, prime minister of Israel, said: “The State of Israel mourns the death of former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe following today’s horrific attack. He was a fierce & distinguished leader and a key architect of modern Israel-Japan relations.”
The State of Israel mourns the death of former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe following today’s horrific attack.
— יאיר לפיד - Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) July 8, 2022
He was a fierce & distinguished leader and a key architect of modern Israel-Japan relations.
Sending condolences to his family, loved ones and the Japanese people.
Thai prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha expressed profound condolences to Abe’s family, a statement from his office said. “The late Prime Minister Abe was a very capable person, and very much loved especially by the Japanese people,” the statement said.
Updated
Former UK prime minister Theresa May has paid tribute to Shinzo Abe, calling him “a statesman of the highest calibre”.
He was a statesman of the highest calibre. A dependable partner and trusted ally. A consummate host. But also the warmest and kindest of friends.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) July 8, 2022
My prayers and deepest sympathies are with his family and the people of Japan. pic.twitter.com/c8HpXlUMv3
Hidetada Fukushima, professor of emergency medicine at Nara Medical University Hospital, said that Shinzo Abe sustained two wounds on front of his neck, about 5cm apart. One of the bullets penetrated the heart. He said they conducted blood transfusions but were ultimately unable to stop the bleeding. Abe was treated by a team of more than 20 medical staff.
Updated
A news conference is now being held at Nara Medical University hospital.
Medics at the hospital say that Shinzo Abe had no vital signs when he arrived at the hospital but that they conducted resuscitation. “It was extremely serious, it was very grave,” the medic said of his condition on arrival. He had two wounds in the neck and subcutaneous haemorrhage. Abe was confirmed dead at 5.03pm.
Updated
Shinzo Abe confirmed dead
Public broadcaster NHK has reported that Shinzo Abe is confirmed to have died after this morning’s shooting, citing officials.
[Breaking News] Officials say former Japanese Prime Minister #Abe Shinzo has been confirmed #dead. He was reportedly #shot during a speech on Friday in the city of #Nara, near Kyoto.https://t.co/bZpiKm8wIN
— NHK WORLD News (@NHKWORLD_News) July 8, 2022
A senior Liberal Democratic party official told NHK that Abe died in the hospital where he had been receiving treatment. He was 67.
Updated
Japan has near-zero tolerance of gun ownership and one of the lowest rates of gun violence in the world, making the attack on Shinzo Abe particularly shocking.
My colleagues Cait Kelly and Justin McCurry have looked at the country’s gun laws and regulations. They write:
The pathway to gun ownership in Japan takes 13 steps. First, potential gun owners need to join a hunting or shooting club, they then have to take a firearm class and pass a written exam, before getting a doctor to state they are mentally fit and have no history of drug dependency.
They then have to apply to take a full-day course in how to fire a gun and store it safely.
The police then interview potential gun owners about why they want a firearm and conduct a thorough background check that involves interviewing members of the person’s family, their relationship with their neighbours, employment history and their financial status.
If they pass, they can then apply for a gunpowder permit and get a certificate from a dealer about what sort of gun they want. They then need to buy an ammunition locker and gun safe, which is inspected by police, who then do another background check.
In 2013, the country hit a record high for gun crime – with 40 criminal cases of guns being fired, but has followed a downward trend since – in 2020, there were 21 arrests for the use of firearms, with 12 of them gang-related, Nikkei Asia reported.
Updated
Shinzo Abe’s wife, Akie Abe, has arrived in Nara, where her husband is being treated, according to Japanese media.
His brother, defence minister Nobuo Kishi, said earlier that Abe was receiving blood transfusions, according to Reuters. He has described the shooting as a sacrilege against democracy.
Updated
Read here the Guardian’s latest report on the shooting of Shinzo Abe, who is in a critical condition after being shot while making a speech in the western city of Nara.
His successor, Fumio Kishida, called the shooting an unforgivable act, and said he hoped Abe – the country’s longest-serving prime minister until he resigned in 2020 – would survive the attack.
Updated
More reaction from around the world to the shooting of Shinzo Abe. He was shot this morning as he gave a campaign speech in Nara.
Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said he was “deeply shocked”.
“My thoughts are with him and his family,” he tweeted. “Nato stands with the people of our close partner Japan.”
Deeply shocked by the heinous shooting of @AbeShinzo as he was addressing voters. My thoughts are with him and his family. #NATO stands with the people of our close partner #Japan and PM @kishida230.
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) July 8, 2022
Singapore prime minister Lee Hsien Loong described Abe as “a good friend of Singapore”.
“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,” he said in a Facebook post.
European Council president Charles Michel described Abe as “a true friend, fierce defender of multilateral order and democratic values”.
Shocked and saddened by cowardly attack on @AbeShinzo while performing his professional duties.
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) July 8, 2022
A true friend, fierce defender of multilateral order & democratic values.
EU stands with people of 🇯🇵 and @kishida230 in these difficult times.
Profound sympathies to his family.
The Russian embassy in Japan said in a Facebook post: “We pray for the health of the former prime minister of Japan, Mr Shinzo Abe … We strongly condemn the barbaric attempt on his life.”
Updated
Airo Hino, political science professor at Waseda University, has told Reuters that such a shooting was unprecedented in the country. “There has never been anything like this,” he said.
Japan has very low rates of gun crime and political violence is also rare, reports Reuters:
In 2007, the mayor of Nagasaki was shot and killed by a yakuza gangster. The head of the Japan Socialist party was assassinated during a speech in 1960 by a rightwing youth with a samurai short sword.
Senior Japanese politicians are accompanied by armed security agents but often get close to the public, especially during political campaigns when they make roadside speeches and shake hands with passersby.”
Updated
Politicians globally continue to react to the shooting of Shinzo Abe this morning.
Prime minister of Estonia Kaja Kallas has said such violence is “an attack against the very idea of democracy”.
I am shocked and saddened to hear about the shooting of Abe Shinzo.
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) July 8, 2022
Such violence is also an attack against the very idea of democracy.
Our thoughts are with you, your loved ones and all the people of @japan.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, urges Abe: “stay strong”.
Dear @AbeShinzo, stay strong!
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) July 8, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and the people of Japan. pic.twitter.com/WRQTTv7jX2
Updated
More leaders and politicians from around the world have issued statements in response to this morning’s shooting.
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply distressed” by the attack and that his thoughts and prayers were with Shinzo Abe, “his family and the people of Japan”.
Deeply distressed by the attack on my dear friend Abe Shinzo. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the people of Japan.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2022
New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern said she was “deeply shocked” by the news.
He was one of the first leaders I formally met when I became prime minister. He was deeply committed to his role, and also generous and kind. I recall him asking after the recent loss of our pet when I met him, a small gesture but one that speaks to the kind of person he is. My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Japan. Events like this shake us all to the core.”
Malaysia’s foreign minister Saifuddin Abdullah, said on Twitter that the government and people of Malaysia were “praying for his speedy recovery”.
The Philippines foreign secretary Enrique Manalo said: “I extend my deep sympathy and pray for his early recovery.”
Updated
TV cameras capture attack on former PM Shinzo Abe.
Updated
Summary
- Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe is in “critical condition’’ after he was shot while giving a campaign speech in western Japan at about 11.30am on Friday. He was shot in the chest and neck. A male suspect was arrested at the scene.
- Prime minister Fumio Kishida said he was praying that Abe would survive and condemned the shooting as “barbaric and malicious”. Japanese media earlier reported that Abe appeared to have no vital signs, citing comments by the local fire department.
- Prime minister Kishida said the suspect’s motivations were unclear. Japanese media has reported that he had been a member of the maritime self defence force for about three years, until around 2005. He told police he was frustrated with Abe and intended to kill him, according to national broadcaster NHK.
- Media reports quoted police as saying that the weapon thought to have been used in the attack was homemade. Japan has a near “zero-tolerance” of gun ownership and an extremely low rate of gun crime.
- Abe had been in the city of Nara giving a campaign speech ahead of this Sunday’s upper house elections when two gunshots were heard. NHK public television broadcast footage showing Abe collapsed on the street, with several security guards running toward him.
- Prime minister Kishida said no decision had been made regarding the upcoming election schedule, but that he was asking all cabinet members to return to Tokyo.
- Politicians across the world have expressed concern over Abe’s condition, including in the US, Australia, Indonesia and Taiwan. US secretary of state Antony Blinken said “This is a very, very sad moment. And we’re awaiting news from Japan.”
Updated
Boris Johnson has condemned the attack on Shinzo Abe, describing it as despicable. Politicians from the US, Australia, Taiwan and Indonesia have issued similar statements.
Utterly appalled and saddened to hear about the despicable attack on Shinzo Abe.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) July 8, 2022
My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
Prime minister Kishida said that the motivations of the suspect were not clear, but described the upcoming elections as “the very foundation of democracy” and said the attack “cannot be tolerated”.
Kishida described the shooting as “barbaric and malicious”.
“I would like to use the harshest words available to condemn this act,” he said.
Kishida said no decision had been made regarding the upcoming election schedule, but added that he was asking all cabinet members to return to Tokyo.
Updated
Shinzo Abe in 'critical condition' - prime minister Fumio Kishida
Prime minister Fumio Kishida is now taking questions from media.
He says Shinzo Abe is in a critical condition.
“Currently doctors are doing everything they can, at this moment. I am hoping and praying that former prime minister Abe will survive this,” he says.
He describes the shooting as a “heinous act”.
Updated
Prime minister Fumio Kishida has arrived at his office by helicopter and is currently meeting with officials.
'This is a very, very sad moment' - Blinken
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed deep concern over the condition of Shinzo Abe.
“Our thoughts, our prayers are with him, with his family, with the people of Japan,” Blinken said on the sidelines of a G20 meeting on the Indonesian island of Bali. “This is a very, very sad moment. And we’re awaiting news from Japan.”
Updated
Suspect was 'former maritime self defence force member' - reports
Japanese media has reported that the suspect in the shooting had been a member of the maritime self defence force for about three years, until around 2005.
Two women who witnessed the incident told NHK that the man approached Abe from behind when he was delivering his speech. A first gunshot was heard, nobody appeared to be injured, the witnesses said. When a second shot was fired Abe fell to the ground and people rushed to treat him.
Abe’s scheduled speech had been publicised on Thursday evening.
Updated
Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen and Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi are among the latest to release statements following this morning’s shooting.
In a Facebook post, Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen wrote:
I believe everyone is as surprised and sad as I am. Taiwan and Japan are both democratic countries with rule of law. On behalf of my government, I would like to severely condemn violent and illegal acts.
Former Prime Minister Abe is not only a good friend of mine, but also a staunch friend of Taiwan’s. He has supported Taiwan for many years and spared no effort to promote the progress of Taiwan-Japan relations.
Teuku Faizasyah, Indonesia’s foreign ministry spokesman on behalf of Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, said in a statement:
The minister has expressed her sympathies in the name of G20 foreign ministers to the Japanese foreign minister.
Media reports quoted police as saying that the weapon thought to have been used in the attack was homemade. A photograph showed two cylindrical metal parts that appeared to have been heavily bound with black tape lying on the road near the scene of the attack.
Japan has close to “zero-tolerance” of gun ownership – an approach that experts say contributes to its extremely low rate of gun crime. There were six reported gun deaths in Japan in 2014, according to the National Police Agency, and the number rarely exceeds 10, in a country of 126 million people. In 2006, just two people were killed in gun attacks.
The 1958 law on the possession of swords and firearms states: “No one shall possess a firearm or firearms or a sword or swords.”
Among the few exceptions are shotguns for hunting and sport. Even then, prospective owners must attend classes and pass written and practical exams. They must then undergo psychological assessments to determine they are fit to own a firearm. Police background checks are exhaustive and even involve questioning the gun owners’ relatives.
Civilian ownership of handguns is banned. The few violations reported in the media usually involve members of the country’s yakuza crime syndicates. According to police, there were 21 arrests for the use of firearms in 2020, with 12 of them gang-related, Nikkei Asia reported.
Here is some further reaction from Australia.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said his thoughts are with Shinzo Abe’s family, and with the people of Japan.
Shocking news from Japan that former PM Shinzo Abe has been shot - our thoughts are with his family and the people of Japan at this time
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) July 8, 2022
Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said described Shinzo Abe as “one of the most important global leaders of the post war era”.
Morrison wrote in a statement posted on Facebook:
I am deeply distressed to hear the reports of the alleged attack on former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. PM Abe is a great and wise friend of Australia and one of the most important global leaders of the post war era. Our prayers are with him, his wife Akie and the people of Japan at this very difficult time
Mobile phone footage captures moments of attack
We have just launched some video footage of the incident in which Abe was shot.
Updated
Former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has said he is horrified to hear of the shooting, describing Shinzo Abe as “one of the great leaders of our times”.
Horrified by this terrible news from Japan. Abe Shinzo is one of the great leaders of our times. Right now we must hope and pray that he pulls through. https://t.co/KKx1eLO4nt
— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) July 8, 2022
Japanese media have said that the country’s former prime minister, Shinzo Abe, is in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest after apparently being shot during a campaign speech on Friday in western Japan.
National broadcaster NHK has quoted firefighters as saying he has no vital signs.
No updates on Abe’s condition have been given since the incident occurred almost two hours ago. Japanese media often use the term “in a state of heart failure” to describe situations in which the victim is no longer alive but a doctor has yet to sign their death certificate. It is not clear at this point if this is what has happened in Abe’s case.
Updated
The United States is “saddened and shocked” by the shooting of Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe, US ambassador Rahm Emanuel said on Friday.
“Abe-san has been an outstanding leader of Japan and unwavering ally of the United States,” Emanuel said in a statement.
“The U.S. government and American people are praying for the well-being of Abe-san, his family, and the people of Japan.”
Abe was in the western city of Nara near Osaka when he was attacked on Friday.
Nara map
Updated
Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, Hirokazu Matsuno, described the attack as “unforgivable, adding that the prime minister, Fumio Kishida, had cancelled campaign stops in northeastern Japan and was returning to the Liberal Democratic party headquarters in Tokyo.
What we know so far
- Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe has been rushed to hospital after he was apparently shot while giving a speech in Western Japan.
- Abe is reportedly in heart failure, where the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. According to Associated Press, the term is sometimes used by officials in Japan to describe situations where victims are no longer alive, but before a formal declaration of death has been made.
- Abe has been sent to a hospital and appears to have no vital signs, according to a local fire department, Japan’s public broadcaster NHK has reported.
- Police arrested a male suspect at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder, according to Japan’s public broadcaster NHK.
- Abe had been in the city of Nara giving a campaign speech ahead of this Sunday’s upper house elections when gunshots were heard.
- NHK public television broadcast footage showing Abe collapsed on the street, with several security guards running toward him. Abe was holding his chest when he collapsed, and his shirt marked with blood.
Updated
Hello, Rebecca Ratcliffe here.
Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe is in a “state of cardiopulmonary arrest” after he was apparently shot while giving a campaign speech in western Japan on Friday.
Read here our latest report from my colleague Justin McCurry in Tokyo.
We will bring you further updates on this live blog.
