July 8, 2022, 10:45 AM
July 8, 2022, 10:45 AM
Shinzo Abe, the former Prime Minister of Japan who held the post the longest, was shot dead on Friday in the southern city of Nara, some 300 miles from the capital Tokyo.
Abbe, 67, he was campaigning politically in support of the re-election of Kei Sato, a member of the upper house of the Japanese Parliament.
The attacker was caught on camera standing a short distance behind Abe, when the politician took the podium to address voters in front of the Yamato-Saidaiji railway station in Nara.
Witnesses say that the man was carrying what they described with a large gun with which shot him twice from behind. It was 11:30 am (local time).
abe He collapsed on the spot with injuries to his neck and back. according to reports.
Security officers forced the suspect to the ground and arrested him, while Abe was rushed to the nearest hospital.
former prime minister he was bleeding internally and in the hospital they began the procedures to save his life with blood transfusions.
However, about four hours later, at 17:03 (local time) the hospital pronounced him dead.
Before the news of his death was known, the current Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, gave a statement in which he appeared visibly distressedan emotion that Japanese politicians show little in public.
Tributes from leaders from around the world followed, praising Shinzo Abe’s influence on the global stage.
What is known about the attack
- Abe was campaigning in the city of Nara, about 480 from the capital, Tokyo.
- His speech was in support of the re-election of Kei Sato – a member of the Upper House of Parliament.
- Two shots were heard and one of these hit Abe
- He immediately fell to the ground and was rushed to a nearby hospital.
- Security agents forced the attacker to the floor and arrested him
- The attacker is believed to have used a homemade weapon.
Who is the suspect?
The attacker, who is detained, was identified as Tetsuya Yamagami, 41 years old and a resident of Nara.
Pictures taken before the attack show him dressed in camouflage pants and a cross-shoulder belt with which he is supposed to be carrying a gun.
A photo taken afterwards shows what appears to be a homemade weapon on the ground.
After an inspection of Yamagami’s house by the police what are believed to be explosives and more homemade weapons were discovered.
Japan’s national broadcaster NKH reported that explosives technicians are preparing to carry out controlled detonations at the scene.
Local media reported that Yamagami told the police that he was “dissatisfied with the former prime minister and his aim was to kill him”.
It is reported that is a former member of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, the equivalent of the naval force of that country.
In addition to confessing to the attack, the attacker told the Police that he had a grudge against a “specific organization” and that he believed Shinzo Abe was part of that group.
It is not known exactly how he came to know of Abe’s presence at the political rally, as the former prime minister’s presence had only been confirmed late the night before.
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