Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a divisive arch-conservative and one of his nation's most powerful and influential figures, was shot and critically wounded during a campaign speech Friday in western Japan. He was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition. Reports that he had succumbed to his wounds broke just before noon.
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It was the first assassination of a sitting or former Japanese premier since the days of prewar militarism in the 1930s.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters that police arrested an alleged male attacker at the scene. "A barbaric act like this is absolutely unforgivable, no matter what the reasons are, and we condemn it strongly," Matsuno said.
NHK public broadcaster aired footage showing Abe collapsed on the street, with several security guards running toward him, He was reportedly shot a few minutes after he started talking outside of a main train station in western Nara.
The news of the shooting stunned world leaders.
President Isaac Herzog said he was "horrified by the despicable murder of Shinzo Abe, one of Japan's most preeminent leaders in modern times. We met when I chaired Israel's opposition and I was deeply impressed by his leadership, vision and respect for Israel. Grieving with his family and the whole Japanese people."
Prime Minister Yair Lapid issued a statement saying, "On behalf of the government and people of Israel, I send my condolences to the Japanese people and their government on the tragic death of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
"Abe was one of the most important leaders of modern Japan, and a true friend of Israel who brought about flourishing and prosperous relations between Israel and Japan. His heinous murder will not change his distinguished legacy. Today, Israel bows its head and mourns the loss of Abe together with the people of Japan."
"I am absolutely shocked by the news," Israeli Ambassador to Japan Gilad Cohen tweeted. "Being one of the most prominent leaders of Japan, Abe was amongst the architects of modern relations between Israel & Japan, served as a major catalyzer for the flourishing ties we see today."
"We are shocked and saddened to hear about the violent attack against former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe," the White House said in a statement. "We are closely monitoring the reports and keeping our thoughts with his family and the people of Japan."
Horrified by the despicable murder of @AbeShinzo, one of Japan's most preeminent leaders in modern times. We met when I chaired Israel's Opposition and I was deeply impressed by his leadership, vision and respect for Israel. Grieving with his family and the whole Japanese people.
— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) July 8, 2022
"We are shocked and saddened to hear about the violent attack against former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe," the White House said in a statement. "We are closely monitoring the reports and keeping our thoughts with his family and the people of Japan."
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted, "Incredibly sad news about Shinzo Abe. His global leadership through unchartered times will be remembered by many. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the Japanese people."
The French Foreign Ministry said, "France expressed its full solidarity with Japan after the killing of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe."
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, "The tragic death of former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo is devastating news. He was one of Australia's closest friends on the world stage. Under his leadership Japan emerged as one of Australia's most like-minded partners in Asia – a legacy that endures today."
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez sent his best wishes to Abe's family and "our forthright condemnation of this cowardly attack. Spain stands together with the people of Japan in these difficult times," he tweeted.
The Italian government condemned the shooting, with Premier Mario Draghi's office expressing solidarity with Abe and the Japanese people.
New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern said she was "deeply shocked" by the news. "He was deeply committed to his role, and also generous and kind. My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Japan. Events like this shake us all to the core."
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki tweeted, "I am deeply shocked by the news of the assassination of @AbeShinzo. My thoughts are with the family of our Japanese friend who was always very kind to Poland."
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock wrote on Twitter that she was "shocked by the news that Shinzo Abe was shot. My thoughts are with him and his family."
Iran called the assassination "an act of terrorism."
Airo Hino, a political science professor at Waseda University, said such a shooting was unprecedented in Japan. "There has never been anything like this," he said.
Senior Japanese politicians are accompanied by armed security agents but often get close to the public, especially during political campaigns when they make roadside speeches and shake hands with passersby.
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