Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has died at the age of 67 after being shit at during a political event.
Abe was conscious and responding when he was airlifted to the hospital. Abe was giving a speech in the city of Nara for this Sunday’s elections to the Upper House.
His attacker, who used an improvised gun, said that he disagreed with the former prime minister’s policies and political views. Gun crime is extremely rare in Japan.
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Reacting to Abe’s death, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, ‘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.”
India will observe one day of national mourning 9 July as a mark of respect to the former Japanese PM, Modi said.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who announced his resignation following a mass rebellion in his cabinet yesterday, tweeted, “Utterly appalled and saddened to hear about the despicable attack on Shinzo Abe. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Many are baffled as to how his assassin planned his murder so quickly given that Abe’s campaign visit was finalised only last night. His killer, a male in his 40s, has been arrested by the police.
Abe, who was in office between 2006-07 and 2012-20 continues to remain the country’s longest-serving prime minister.