Shinzo Abe shooting live news: Japan’s ex-PM fighting for life | News
Former prime minister in ‘grave’ condition after being shot during campaign event in city of Nara.
- Shinzo Abe, Japan’s longest serving prime minister, has been shot in the city of Nara while campaigning for a parliamentary election.
- Incumbent Prime Minister Fumio Kishida says Abe, 67, is in a grave condition.
- According to reports, Abe appeared to be in a state of cardiac arrest when airlifted to hospital, after having initially been conscious and responsive.
- Police say a 41-year-old man suspected of carrying out the shooting has been arrested.
- The attack has prompted shock and condemnation worldwide.
Here are the latest updates:
Macron ‘profoundly shocked’
French President Emmanuel Macron has said he is “profoundly shocked by the despicable attack” on Abe.
“Thoughts for the friends and family of a great prime minister. France stands with the Japanese people,” he wrote on Twitter.
Abe’s wife on way to hospital
The NHK public broadcaster has showed live footage of Abe’s wife, Akie, on her way by train to the hospital in Nara where he is being treated.
Video shows the moment former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe was shot from behind as he campaigned in the city of Nara. Abe was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Read more: pic.twitter.com/1DC7onCKAy
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) July 8, 2022
World reacts to shooting
Leaders from around the world have condemned the attack against Abe.
Read more here.
‘Act of brutality’
Kishida has told reporters Abe was in a critical condition.
“Everything that can be done is being done to revive him. I’m praying from the depths of my heart that his life will be saved,” he said, adding he was not aware of any motive.
“This attack is an act of brutality that happened during the elections – the very foundation of our democracy – and is absolutely unforgivable.”
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