Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has died after being shot on Friday during a campaign event in western Japan, the hospital where he was treated confirmed.
“Shinzo Abe was transported to [the hospital] at 12:20 p.m. (0320 GMT) He was in a state of cardiac arrest upon arrival. Resuscitation was administered. However, unfortunately, he died at 5:03 p.m.,” Hidetada Fukushima, a doctor at the Nara Medical University Hospital, said.
Police said a 41-year-old man had been arrested. Local media reported the suspect had served in the navy and left Japan’s Self-Defense Force in 2005. According to public broadcaster NHK, the suspect confessed to police that he was unhappy with Abe and intended to kill him.
The attack has shocked a nation with some of the world’s strictest gun control laws. NHK reported that the shooter used a homemade gun.
Abe, 67, a grandson of former Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi, was Japan’s longest-serving premier.
He was in office for a year in 2006 and then from 2012 to 2020.
Abe was 52 when he first came into power. His first, turbulent term was marked by scandals and discord. His sudden resignation was initially thought to be due to political reasons, but he later cited a medical condition.
He became prime minister again in 2012 and introduced Abenomics — a plan to revive Japan’s economy, which involved vast government spending, massive monetary easing, and cutting red tape.
He stepped down in August 2020, saying his chronic health problem had resurfaced.
(With inputs fom agenciea)
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