World mourns as former Japan PM Shinzo Abe succumbs to bullet wounds

Japan's former prime minister Shinzo Abe was shot at in the city of Nara

Japan's former prime minister Shinzo Abe died at the age of 67 on Friday after being shot in the city of Nara, local media reported. 

Japan Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said Abe was shot at around 11.30 am (local time). Earlier in the day, Abe was taken to a hospital bleeding as he collapsed after the attack while delivering a speech, local media reported. 

Japanese PM Fumio Kishida had earlier said Abe was in "severe condition", adding that he hoped Abe would survive.

"(It) is a despicable act of barbarity that occurred when an election, which is the basis of democracy, is being held and is totally unacceptable," Kishida said.

Multiple shots were fired by attacker, who has now been arrested, TBS newtork said. Abe was hit in left chest, one shot appeared to have hit his neck, TBS said.

"Such an act of barbarity cannot be tolerated," Matsuno told a briefing.

An NHK reporter, who was present on the scene, said they could hear two consecutive bangs during Abe's speech.

Abe had served two terms as prime minister to become Japan's longest-serving premier. He had stepped down in 2020 citing ill health.

Reacting to his death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared one day of national mourning on Saturday on July 9 as he said, "Shocked and saddened beyond words at tragic demise of one of my dearest friends, Shinzo Abe. He was a towering global statesman, outstanding leader and a remarkable administrator. He dedicated his life to make Japan and the world a better place."
 
"My association with Mr. Abe goes back many years. I had got to know him during my tenure as Gujarat CM and our friendship continued after I became PM. His sharp insights on economy and global affairs always made a deep impression on me," PM Modi said.

"Mr Abe made an immense contribution to elevating India-Japan relations to the level of a Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Today, the whole of India mourns with Japan and we stand in solidarity with our Japanese brothers and sisters in this difficult moment," the Prime Minister said.

 Many world leaders also expressed their sadness on the attack on the former Japanese leader, while many slammed the act terming it ‘senseless act of violence.’

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong termed the act as a senseless act of violence saying “Mr. Abe is a good friend of Singapore. I had just hosted him to lunch in May, on my visit to Tokyo. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Abe and his family.” 

Former U.S. President Donald Trump said the attack on Abe was devastating and described Abe as a truly great man and leader saying he was a true friend of mine and, much more importantly, America.
 

This is a tremendous blow to the wonderful people of Japan, who loved and admired him so much. We are all praying for Shinzo and his beautiful family! Trump said on his social media app.