Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Has Died After Being Shot in Public
Shinzo Abe, the former prime minister of Japan, has died from a gunshot wound to the chest. NHK World and Kyodo News broke the news.
Abe was shot earlier today while delivering a speech in Nara and was immediately taken to the hospital.
Kyodo News reported that the ex-prime minister appeared to be bleeding, unconscious, and in cardiac arrest.
Within hours, Abe no longer appeared to be showing vital signs after the shooting.
An NHK reporter claimed to hear two consecutive bangs during Abe’s speech, and a male suspect was detained at the scene.
Abe was in Nara to make a campaign speech as Japan’s upper house elections draws near.
Abe is Japan’s longest-serving prime minister and has served as prime minister twice. Plagued by illnesses throughout his political career, Abe was first elected prime minister in 2006 but was forced to step down after one year due to his health. In 2012, he was elected prime minister again and remained an officer for eight years before his health forced him to resign once more.
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