Former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe is currently in critical condition and at risk of dying after being shot in the street, in broad daylight, whilst making a campaign speech in Nara.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated in a press conference on Friday that Abe is receiving emergency treatment at the Nara Medical University hospital.
Kishida described this as an ‘unforgivable act’ and said that they will comprehend the situation and take appropriate measures.
Abe’s younger brother, who is Japan’s Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi, told reporters Abe was receiving a blood transfusion, and an official from the Nara City Fire Department confirmed to CNN that Abe was in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest – which describes a sudden loss of heart function and breathing.
Abe is the former Liberal Democratic Party leader as well as Japan’s longest serving prime minister. He held office from 2006 to 2007 and then gain from 2012 to 2020, before resigning due to health reasons.
He still remained in the public eye after stepping down to discuss current affairs. Following the shooting, the former PM was rushed to hospital via helicopter and he is believed to have been shot twice, in the chest and neck.
A suspect, identified as Tetsuya Yamagami, was arrested and charged with attempted murder. The 40-year-old suspect used a handmade gun in the attack, but the motive remains unclear.
UPDATE: the former prime minister of Japan has passed away due to the injuries suffered after he was shot. Doctors spent four and a half hours trying to save him but have since announced that Abe bled to death.
No vital signs were detected by the time he had arrived at the hospital. The former Japanese prime minister suffered wounds to the right side of his neck and to the left collarbone, before being rushed to hospital where he received a blood transfusion.
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