On Friday, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot at around 11.30 am in Nara. Chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told the mediapersons, "A man in his 40s, believed to be the shooter, has been taken into custody. The condition of former prime minister Abe is currently unknown."
Abe had been delivering a speech at an election event when gunshots were heard.
An eyewitness told the local news outlet, NHK, "He was giving a speech and a man came from behind. The first shot sounded like a toy. He didn't fall and there was a large bang. The second shot was more visible, you could see the spark and smoke. After the second shot, people surrounded him and gave him cardiac massage."
The 67-year-old politician, collapsed and in the visuals surfacing on the internet, one can see he was bleeding.
Immediately after the attack, Abe was taken to hospital and was unconscious as he appears to be in cardo-respiratory arrest, meaning that he showed no vital signs.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida returned to Tokyo from campaigning after the attack on former PM Shinzo Abe, local media reported.
As per NHK, the PM Kishida is also set to address a news briefing shortly as Abe's condition continues to be 'critical'.
PM Modi is 'deeply distressed' after Abe was shot in Nara. Taking to Twitter, he wrote, "Deeply distressed by the attack on my dear friend Abe Shinzo. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the people of Japan." Both leaders have met with each other multiple times and PM Modi regards Abe as his "most dependable and valuable friend."
Poland's embassy in Japan expresses shock over the attack. "We are shocked to hear about the horrible attack against former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Nara. It's difficult to believe that this has happened. Our thoughts are with Mr Abe and we are praying for his health," they tweeted.
The US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel also expressed disbelief and said, "We are all saddened and shocked by the shooting of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo. Abe-san has been an outstanding leader of Japan and unwavering ally of the U.S. The U.S. Government and American people are praying for the well-being of Abe-san, his family, & people of Japan."
