Japan Former Prime Minister Shot During Campaign, Dies At Hospital

Category: World News

Mr Abe was shot at twice while he was giving a speech in the southern city of Nara on Friday morning.

He immediately collapsed and was rushed to the nearest hospital, where he later passed on.

Pictures taken at the scene showed him bleeding.

Security officials at the scene tackled the gunman, and the 41-year-old suspect is now in police custody.

In an emotional press conference shortly after, prime minister Fumio Kishida told reporters that Mr Abe was in a “very grave condition”.

“Currently doctors are doing everything they can,” said Mr Kishida who appeared to be holding back tears, adding that he was “praying from his heart” that Mr Abe would survive.

He also condemned the attack, saying: “It is barbaric and malicious and it cannot be tolerated.”

The former prime minster, Abe Shinzo had later passed on in the hospital, after he reportedly loss excessive blood.