Former prime minister of Japan Shinzo Abe was killed after being shot while delivering a speech.
The country’s longest-serving prime minister was assassinated while campaigning on behalf of the governing Liberal Democratic Party in the city of Nara. Abe was taken to Nara Medical University Hospital’s emergency room where he died.
“When he was brought to the hospital he was in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest,” Dr. Hidetada Fukushima said. “They tried to resuscitate him but at 17:03 he was pronounced dead. He had gun wounds in two locations and died of heart failure from heavily damaged arteries.”
One person was arrested in relation to the shooting. The killing shocked a nation that is unaccustomed to gun violence.
After serving two terms Abe resigned as prime minister in August 2020 due to a health condition.
The former prime minister was known for trying to revive Japan’s economic growth through policies which became known as “Abenomics.”
Under Abe Japan reformed the corporate culture and reduced the country’s long-term debt. He is also credited with being a key figure in the formation of “the Quad,” a security alignment between Australia, India, Japan and the U.S.
Current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the attack was “a despicable and barbaric act that took place in the midst of an election, which is the foundation of democracy.”
International leaders paid their respects to Abe following news of his death.
