Tributes have been paid to former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who died after being shot during a campaign speech, as Asia Correspondent Debbie Edward reports
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe – one of the nation’s most powerful and influential figures – has died after being shot while delivering a campaign speech.
Doctors confirmed his death on Friday hours after he was airlifted to hospital fighting for his life.
Abe, 67, was shot in the back minutes after he began addressing a crowd outside a train station in the western Japanese city of Nara on Friday morning.
He was not breathing and his heart had stopped when he went into cardiac arrest while being airlifted to Nara Medical University Hospital, officials said.
Mr Abe was fighting for his life as he was airlifted to hospital earlier on Friday
Doctors said Mr. Abe was showing no vital signs when he arrived at the hospital. They tried to resuscitate him and tried massive blood transfusions, but at 17:03 local time he died.
During the operation, they did not find any bullets, but they could be removed later. He suffered serious damage to his heart and had two entry wounds at the base of his neck that damaged an artery causing major blood loss.
NHK broadcast dramatic footage showing Mr Abe collapsed in the street, bleeding and clutching his chest, as several security guards ran towards him after gunshots were heard.
Shooting is almost unheard of in Japan due to strict rules on private property. Credit: Kyodo News via AP
Security guards are seen pouncing on a man in a gray shirt wearing a face mask who is lying face down on the pavement.
A double-barreled device is then seen on the ground, which looks like a handmade gun.
Police confirmed they arrested Tetsuya Yamagami, 41, on suspicion of attempted murder at the scene of the shooting.
Shortly after the shooting, a gun was seen at the scene. Credit: NHK/AP
NHK reported that he served in the Maritime Self-Defense Force for three years in the 2000s.
He reportedly admitted to police that he shot Mr. Abe and wanted to kill him, but did not reveal his motive.
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Amid an outpouring of tributes, the Queen said she – and the rest of the royal family – were “deeply saddened” by Mr Abe’s “sudden and tragic” death.
The 96-year-old monarch said he had fond memories of meeting the former Japanese prime minister and his wife during their visit to the UK six years ago.
In a condolence message to the Emperor of Japan shared on the royal family’s official Twitter account, she added: “His love for Japan and his desire to build ever closer ties with the UK were clear.”
The Duke of Cambridge also paid tribute, saying he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the death of the former prime minister, who he described as a “true statesman and dedicated leader”.
“I will never forget the warmth and generosity he showed me during my visit to Japan in 2015. My thoughts are with his family and the people of Japan,” he tweeted.
World leaders also expressed shock and anger at the shooting – the likes of which are almost unheard of in Japan.
Outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson described his death as “incredibly sad news”.
“His global leadership through uncharted times will be remembered by many. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the Japanese people,” he tweeted. “The UK stands with you at this dark and sad time.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted he was “deeply saddened” by the news, adding: “Make no mistake – this was an attack on democracy. Shameful act of cowardice to silence a political leader. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Japan at this extremely difficult time.”
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair called Abe “a leader and statesman of outstanding quality and character.”
He said: “I’ve known him and worked with him and I’ve always had enormous respect for his abilities. I am shocked and saddened by his senseless murder. I send my deepest condolences to his wife Akie, with whom my wife Cheri also works closely, and to all the people of Japan.”
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was “shocked and deeply saddened” and said her and the Scottish Government’s condolences were with Mr Abe’s family and the people of Japan.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared a national day of mourning on July 9 as “a mark of our deepest respect” for one of his “dearest friends”.
“I am shocked and saddened beyond words by the tragic death of one of my dearest friends, Shinzo Abe. He was a towering global statesman, an outstanding leader and a remarkable administrator,” he added in a series of tweets.
“He dedicated his life to making Japan and the world a better place.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Abe’s “brutal and cowardly murder” had “shocked the whole world”.
“A wonderful man, a great democrat and defender of the multilateral world order has passed away,” she wrote on Twitter, along with a picture of him. “I grieve with his family, his friends and all the people of Japan.”
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida earlier confirmed that Mr Abe was in a “serious condition” and that doctors were doing everything possible to save his colleague.
He condemned the attack as a “barbaric” and “unforgivable” attack on Japanese democracy.
“I pray for former Prime Minister Abe’s survival from the bottom of my heart,” Mr Kishida, who belongs to the same political party as Mr Abe, had said.
“I use the strongest words to condemn (the act),” he added as he struggled to control his emotions.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was visibly emotional as he briefed the media on his colleague’s condition. Credit: AP
The attack shook the whole world. Japan is considered one of the safest countries in the world with almost no gun crime due to incredibly strict private property laws.
Mr Kishida said the government planned to review security, but added that Mr Abe had the highest level of protection.
Mr Abe, an arch-conservative and one of the country’s most divisive figures, was Japan’s longest-serving prime minister and served twice.
He retired in 2020 following the return of a chronic stomach condition, ulcerative colitis, which he had had since he was a teenager.
The former leader was still influential in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and headed its largest Seivakai faction.
Elections for Japan’s upper house, the less powerful house of Japan’s parliament, are on Sunday.
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