In a shocking turn-of-events, Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot while he was making a speech. The accused in the matter remains arrested. Earlier on Friday, former Japan PM Shinzo Abe was in Nara, campaigning for the upcoming election.

An ordinary tightly scheduled campaigning day turned upside down when he was hit from behind by a shotgun. According to news agency AFP, which cited Japanese media, the world leader hasn not shown any vital signs while being rushed to the hospital.

Meanwhile, the 41-year-old accused in the matter, Tetsuya Yamagami, was arrested, reported NHK. “Former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo collapsed during a speech in the city of Nara, in western Japan. Initial reports say he may have been injured. An NHK reporter on site heard something that sounded like a gunshot, and saw Abe bleeding,” NHK reported, as quoted in an Indian Express report.

According to reports, the horrific incident transpired sometime around 11.30 am (8.30 am Indian Standard Time) while former PM Abe was making a speech on a street near a train station. The former Japan leader was giving a speech ahead of the upcoming election scheduled on Sunday. Suddenly two consecutive bangs created chaos as security personnel rushed to the scene to cover Abe.

He was shot left on his chest and one of the shots hit his neck, reports speculate.

Contents hide
1. The Facts of the Matter
2. No Vital Signs While Being Rushed to Hospital
3. Was Giving Speech when Shot from Behind
4. Accused Arrested
5. World Reacts to Japan Former PM Being Shot Down

The Facts of the Matter

It has been eventful last twenty-four hours in the geopolitical chessboard laid out for world leaders. Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigned as UK’s leader after multiple calls made by lawmakers and ministers in his cabinet. Less than twenty-four hours later, Japan’s former Prime Minister was shot down while making a speech in Japan’s Nara.

No Vital Signs While Being Rushed to Hospital

67-year-old Shinzo Abe, the former Japan PM, collapsed on stage and was rushed to the hospital showing no vitals after being shot on Friday morning while giving a speech.

According to Japan media, Abe was bleeding after two loud bangs were heard in Nara. While it is not confirmed as of yet, reports are claiming that Abe was shot on chest and neck.

Was Giving Speech when Shot from Behind

According to reports, Abe was in Nara, spearheading the campaign ahead of the Upper House of Parliament elections in Japan that are scheduled for Sunday. Abe had taken the stage to give a speech on behalf of Kei Sato, current Upper House running member who is fighting for a re-election.

Abe was barely on the stage for a minute or so when someone emerged from behind and two loud bangs were heard, following which he toppled from a 20-inch makeshift stage.

Accused Arrested

Meanwhile, following the incident, the police arrested 42-year-old Tetsuya Yamagami on suspicion for attempt to murder. Visuals making rounds of social media show security personnel tackling the alleged accused moments after the horrific incident unfolded. The authorities were also able to seize his weapon from him

Abe was Japan’s longest-serving Prime Minister, serving multiple terms – from 2006 to 2007 and from 2012 to 2020. While his reign could have continued further, he tendered his resignation in 2020 due to bad health.

World Reacts to Japan Former PM Being Shot Down

 

Follow Us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Flipboard | Google News