Japan's former prime minister Shinzo Abe has died after being shot this morning while campaigning for a parliamentary electionin the Nara region. A man opened fire on Abe, 67, from behind with an apparently homemade gun as he spoke at a drab traffic island in the western city of Nara, Japanese media showed earlier. The former leader had been delivering a stump speech at an event ahead of Sunday's upper house elections when the apparent sound of gunshots was heard.
Police said a 41-year-old man suspected of carrying out the shooting had been arrested. The shooter is a former member of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force.
News agency NHK quoted the suspect, identified as Tetsuya Yamagami, as telling police he was dissatisfied with Abe and wanted to kill him.
Here are the highlights on attack on Shinzo Abe:
Jul 08, 2022 18:36 (IST)
Before fatal shooting, Shinzo Abe was up close with the crowd
Moments before he was fatally shot from behind on Friday, Japanese former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was doing what he'd done for decades in politics: getting up close to the crowds and stumping for a local candidate.
Jul 08, 2022 17:15 (IST)
Arvind Kejriwal condoles death of former Japan PM Shinzo Abe
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal condoled the death of former prime minister of Japan Shinzo Abe on Friday, saying the world has lost a great leader.
"Saddened to know about the demise of former PM of Japan Shinzo Abe. The world has lost a great leader. May the departed soul rest in peace. My prayers are with his family and friends," Kejriwal tweeted.
Jul 08, 2022 16:04 (IST)
What we know about Shinzo Abe's shooter
Police sources told local media that a 41-year-old named Tetsuya Yamagami was arrested after the attack on charges of attempted murder.
Several outlets, citing the defence ministry, said Yamagami had spent three years in Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force, the country's navy, leaving the service around 2005.
He reportedly used a "handmade" weapon, in a country with strict gun laws that make obtaining a firearm extremely difficult.
NHK said he told police after his arrest that he "was frustrated with the former prime minister and targeted Abe with the intention of killing him".
(AFP)
Jul 08, 2022 15:47 (IST)
Explosives found at the shooter's house
Officials found explosives at the house of the shooter today. The 41-year-old, a former member of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, opened fire at Abe with an apparently homemade gun.
Jul 08, 2022 14:46 (IST)
PM "Shocked" At Tragic Death of Shinzo Abe
"I am shocked and saddened beyond words at the tragic demise of one of my dearest friends, Shinzo Abe. He was a towering global statesman, an outstanding leader, and a remarkable administrator. He dedicated his life to make Japan and the world a better place," PM Modi tweeted.
Jul 08, 2022 14:24 (IST)
Japanese Ex PM Shinzo Abe Dies After Being Shot While Campaigning
Jul 08, 2022 13:54 (IST)
Japan police raid suspect's home after Abe shooting, claims report.
Jul 08, 2022 13:22 (IST)
NATO chief 'deeply shocked' by 'heinous' attack on Japan's Abe
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg expressed shock Friday at the attack on Japan's former prime minister Shinzo Abe and said the defence alliance stood by Japan and its government under current premier Fumio Kishida.
"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," Stoltenberg wrote on Twitter.
Jul 08, 2022 13:18 (IST)
Media reported that Abe was wounded in the chest and neck area. An official of Abe's faction of the ruling party said he was receiving transfusions, NHK said.
Jul 08, 2022 13:08 (IST)
China 'shocked' by attack on former Japan PM Abe: foreign ministry
China 'shocked' by attack on former Japan PM Shinizo Abe: foreign ministry
Jul 08, 2022 12:43 (IST)
NATO chief 'deeply shocked' by 'heinous' attack on Japan's Shinzo Abe
NATO chief 'deeply shocked' by 'heinous' attack on Japan's Abe
