A former Japanese prime minister is feared to be dead after getting shot in the chest while delivering a campaign speech.
According to the reports, Shinzo Abe, the country’s former PM, was having a speech in the city of Nara when he suddenly dropped to the ground after being shot in the chest and neck.
As the first responders rushed to the scene, the medics confirmed the politician suffered “cardiopulmonary arrest.” Firefighters on the scene suggested Abe displayed “no vital signs” after collapsing to the ground.
Meanwhile, the police apprehended the shooter who was identified as 41-year-old military veteran Tetsuya Yamagami.
It is believed that Yamagami used a homemade gun in his assassination attempt.
Following the shooting, the former prime minister was rushed to the hospital. While the authorities described his condition as heart failure – a term often used in Japan for those who are feared dead – an official declaration of death has not yet been given.
“Former prime minister Abe was shot at around 11:30 am. One man, believed to be the shooter, has been taken into custody. The condition of former prime minister Abe is currently unknown,” chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said after the shocking incident.
“Whatever the reason, such a barbaric act can never be tolerated, and we strongly condemn it.”
Meanwhile, a witness recalled the moment gunfire erupted and Abe, a strong ally of the US, plunged to the ground.
“He was giving a speech and a man came from behind. The first shot sounded like a toy. He didn’t fall and there was a large bang,” one woman said in an interview with NHK.
“The second shot was more visible, you could see the spark and smoke. After the second shot, people surrounded him and gave him cardiac massage.”
The investigation remains ongoing and Abe’s condition remains unknown.
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