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Rabat – Shinzo Abe, Japan’s ex-prime minister who is widely credited with revitalizing the country’s economy, died after being shot on Friday morning during a campaign speech.
Japanese broadcaster NHK confirmed that Abe had passed away at a hospital in Kashihara at the age of 67 while receiving medical care.
Police arrested the alleged shooter, 41 year-old Yamagami Tetsuya, who managed to approach Abe and assassinate him from behind, despite the presence of security.
Tetsuya was charged with attempted murder. NHK reports that he told police he was “dissatisfied with the former prime minister and intended to kill him.”
The culprit, who killed Abe with a handmade gun, said he had served with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force for three years in the past.
Incumbent Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called the attack an “act of brutality,” particularly denouncing the fact that it happened during the election season.
Abe was shot in the chest twice, with one bullet reaching his heart, medical staff in the city of Kashihara said during a press conference.
Local officials also said Abe had been in a state of cardiac arrest when he was being airlifted to the hospital.
Various world leaders have expressed their condolences and sympathies.
“Our thoughts, our prayers are with him, with his family, with the people of Japan,” US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said during the G20 meeting in Indonesia, before reports emerged that he passed away.
“Incredibly sad news about Shinzo Abe,” UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said. “The UK stands with you at this dark and sad time.”
Many in Japan expressed shock at the attack, citing the country’s low crime numbers, especially when it comes to gun violence.
