Shinzo Abe, former Japan PM, dies hours after being shot at election rally

Abe, 67, was campaigning for elections to Japan parliament's upper house when he was shot (File image: Kyodo News via AP)

Japan's former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was the country's longest-serving head of state, died on July 8, hours after being shot at an election rally, hospital officials said.

The gun bullets had "penetrated his heart", officials of the Nara Medical University hospital, where he was rushed to following the attack, were reported as saying by NHK World in a press briefing following Abe's demise.

Abe, 67, was shot from behind, while he was delivering a campaign speech outside a train station in the western city of Nara at around 11:30 am (02:30 GMT).

Nara Medical University emergency department chief Hidetada Fukushima said Abe suffered "major damage to his heart" in addition to "two neck wounds that damaged an artery", causing extensive bleeding, the Associated Press reported.

He was in a state of cardio and pulmonary arrest when he arrived at the hospital 12:20 pm (local time) and never regained his vital signs, Fukushima reportedly said, further noting that "he unfortunately died at 5:03 pm".

Obituary: Shinzo Abe sought to reinvigorate Japan with bold economic policies, strong armed forces

The bullet that struck Abe's heart "could not be extricated", the officials claimed, as per the local media reports.

The attacker was identified as Yamagami Tetsuya, a former military person in his 40s. He has been jailed for attempt to murder. During interrogation, he told officials that he was "dissatisfied with Abe" and wanted to kill him, news agency Reuters reported.

Also Read | PM Modi announces one-day mourning on July 9 in honour of ex-Japan prime minister Shinzo Abe

Abe's demise marks the first assassination of a sitting or former Japanese premier since the days of prewar militarism in the 1930s.

Speaking before Abe's death was announced, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida condemned the shooting in the "strongest terms" while Japanese people and world leaders expressed shock at the violence in a country in which political violence is rare and guns are tightly controlled.

"This attack is an act of brutality that happened during the elections - the very foundation of our democracy - and is absolutely unforgivable," said Kishida, struggling to keep his emotions in check.

Abe was Japan's longest-serving prime minister. He was in office for a year in 2012 and then again from 2012 to 2020. He had resigned due to health reasons.

Also Read | In mostly gun-free nation, Japanese stunned by Abe killing

World leaders expressed outrage over the attack on Abe and marked their sorrow over his demise.

"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," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.

"As a mark of our deepest respect for former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, a one day national mourning shall be observed on 9 July 2022," Modi added.

Sharing a picture from my most recent meeting with my dear friend, Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. Always passionate about strengthening India-Japan ties, he had just taken over as the Chairman of the Japan-India Association. pic.twitter.com/Mw2nR1bIGz

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2022

"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," UK's ousted prime minister Boris Johnson tweeted.

"We are closely monitoring the reports and keeping our thoughts with his family and the people of Japan," the White House, official workplace of US President Joe Biden, said in a statement.

Shocked and saddened by the tragic death of former Japanese PM Abe Shinzo. He was a great friend and ally to Australia. Deepest sympathies to his family and the people of Japan. We mourn with you. pic.twitter.com/ms9Va9OPN4

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) July 8, 2022

"So deeply shocked to hear about the past PM of Japan-Shinzo Abe. He was one of the first leaders I met when I became PM. He was deeply committed to his role but also generous and kind. My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Japan. Events like this shake us all to the core," New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

"The assassination of Abe Shinzo leaves me shocked and deeply saddened. My deepest sympathy goes to his family, my colleague Fumio Kishida
and our Japanese friends. We stand closely by Japan's side in these difficult hours," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz tweeted.

With agency inputs