Shinzo Abe assassination: Biden, Brazilian prez mourn ex-Japan PM's death | highlights

Abe was shot at while delivering a stump speech at an event ahead of Sunday's upper house elections, national broadcaster NHK and the Kyodo news agency said.

Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has passed away hours after being shot at during a campaign speech Friday in western Japan, officials said.

Local fire department official Makoto Morimoto said Abe was in cardio and pulmonary arrest after being shot and was taken to a prefectural hospital.

Global leaders have expressed shock and concern over the news of attack on Abe.

A suspect has also been arrested by the Japanese law enforcement agencies for attempt to murder, the report further added. The man appeared to be in his 40s and a gun had reportedly been confiscated.

Follow all the updates here:

• Jul 08, 2022 10:39 PM IST

  Decoded: Shinzo Abe's role in strengthening Indo-Japan ties

  Years before the term Indo-Pacific formally entered the diplomatic lexicon, former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe had spoken on the responsibility of India and Japan to nurture the coupling of the Indian and Pacific Oceans to ensure regional freedom and prosperity. Abe, Japan’s longest serving premier, made those prescient remarks while addressing a joint sitting of the Indian Parliament in August 2007, during his first term in office. The speech featured many ideas and concepts that he elaborated upon to broaden ties with India in his second and longer stint as prime minister. Full story

• Jul 08, 2022 10:25 PM IST

  Biden orders U.S flags flown at half-staff to honour Abe

  President Joe Biden said on Friday he had ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff through July 10 to honor Shinzo Abe after the former Japanese prime minister was gunned down while campaigning for a parliamentary election. Abe "was a proud servant of the Japanese people and a faithful friend to the United States," Biden said in statement. "Even in the moment he was attacked and killed, he was engaged in the work of democracy, to which he dedicated his life."

• Jul 08, 2022 09:23 PM IST

  Queen Elizabeth II says 'deeply saddened' at killing of Japan's Abe

  Queen Elizabeth II said Friday she was "deeply saddened" at the assassination of Japan's former prime minister Shinzo Abe, in a message of condolence sent to Emperor Naruhito. "I have fond memories of meeting Mr Abe and his wife during their visit to the United Kingdom in 2016. His love for Japan, and his desire to forge ever-closer bonds with the United Kingdom, were clear," she wrote.

• Jul 08, 2022 09:16 PM IST

  Shinzo Abe death: Japanese PM orders increased security for political leaders

  Following the shocking assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday, current premier Fumio Kishida ordered enhanced security for cabinet ministers and other politicians of the country. The move comes after the PM discussed responses to the attack on Abe with National Public Safety Commission Chairperson Ninoyu Satoshi, justice minister Furukawa Yoshihisa, and others for about 20 minutes, news agency PTI reported. Kishida also told officials never to yield to terrorism and violence. Read more

• Jul 08, 2022 08:55 PM IST

  'Unbearable pain for me': PM Modi pays tribute to 'friend' Shinzo Abe | Video

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said former Japanese premier Shinzo Abe was not only his friend but a trusted friend of India. Abe, 67, one of his nation's most powerful and influential figures, died after being shot during a campaign speech on Friday in western Japan. Read more

• Jul 08, 2022 08:09 PM IST

   ‘My Friend, Abe San’: PM Modi pens heartfelt tribute to ex-Japan PM Shinzo Abe

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote an emotional post for former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe who was assassinated on Friday in Nara town. In his blog post, the prime minister recalled his interactions with the former premier. Here's the full text of PM Modi's blog post. Read full text

• Jul 08, 2022 07:45 PM IST

  Facebook , Twitter remove ex-Japan PM Shinzo Abe's assassination videos

  Twitter and Facebook parent Meta said Friday they're deleting any videos of the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that break their rules on harmful content. Multiple videos of the attack showing a gunman firing a double-barrelled weapon twice at Abe were circulating on social media. Some only show the moments before and after the attack while others showed both shots. Read more

• Jul 08, 2022 07:21 PM IST

  Biden "stunned, outraged, and deeply saddened" by Abe killing

  President Joe Biden expressed outrage at the fatal shooting of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday, calling him a champion of the U.S.-Japan alliance who cared deeply about the Japanese people and democracy, Reuters reported. "I am stunned, outraged, and deeply saddened by the news that my friend Abe Shinzo, former Prime Minister of Japan, was shot and killed while campaigning. This is a tragedy for Japan and for all who knew him," Biden said in a statement. Read more

• Jul 08, 2022 07:16 PM IST

  Brazil's Bolsonaro 'outraged' by Japan ex-PM Abe's killing

  Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Friday expressed "outrage and sadness" over the assassination of Japanese former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and said he had ordered three days of national mourning in Brazil. Bolsonaro called Abe, who was 67, "a brilliant leader and a great friend of Brazil" while sharing a picture alongside him on Twitter and urging "such an unjustifiable cruelty" to be severely punished.

  
  

• Jul 08, 2022 06:38 PM IST

  Abe killer told cops he used handmade gun

  We have determined that the gun is clearly handmade in appearance, although our analysis is currently ongoing: Nara Police

• Jul 08, 2022 06:17 PM IST

  Abe's mortal remains to be taken to his home tomorrow

  Mortal remains of the deceased 67-year-old will be transferred to his home in Tokyo as early as Saturday, reports TV Asahi.

• Jul 08, 2022 05:50 PM IST

  He was India's ‘valued’ friend: Amit Shah

  Pained to learn about the assassination of the former PM of Japan and India’s valued friend, Mr Shinzo Abe. His efforts in strengthening the India-Japan relationship will always be held fondly in our memories. My deepest condolences to his family, followers & the people of Japan.

  — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 8, 2022

  Pained to learn about the assassination of the former PM of Japan and India’s valued friend, Mr Shinzo Abe. His efforts in strengthening the India-Japan relationship will always be held fondly in our memories: Amit Shah, Union home minister

• Jul 08, 2022 05:13 PM IST

  Nara Police to brief media at 12:30pm GMT (6pm IST)

  Nara Prefectural Police to hold briefing at 12:30pm GMT (6pm IST).

• Jul 08, 2022 04:46 PM IST

  ‘He was a well-wisher of India’

  Message from Congress President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi on the assassination of former Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Shinzo Abe. pic.twitter.com/McbcQwKCbS

  — Congress (@INCIndia) July 8, 2022

  For many years, Mr. Abe was a great friend and well-wisher of India: Sonia Gandhi, Congress president

• Jul 08, 2022 04:19 PM IST

  Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif extends ‘profound’ condolences

  I extend my profound condolences over the sad demise of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He made invaluable contributions to the Pakistan-Japan relationship. Our prayers are with bereaved family. At this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with the people of Japan.

  — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) July 8, 2022

  I extend my profound condolences over the sad demise of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe: Shehbaz Sharif

• Jul 08, 2022 03:53 PM IST

  Possible explosives found in suspect's home

  Japanese Police, after raid at shooter Yamagami Tetsuya's home, has found possible explosives, reports Reuters citing NHK.

• Jul 08, 2022 03:26 PM IST

  PM Modi shares most recent photograph with Abe

  Sharing a picture from my most recent meeting with my dear friend, Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. Always passionate about strengthening India-Japan ties, he had just taken over as the Chairman of the Japan-India Association. pic.twitter.com/Mw2nR1bIGz

  — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2022

  PM Modi met four former Japanese PMs, including Abe, during his visit to Japan in May, for the Quad Summit.

• Jul 08, 2022 03:01 PM IST

  Shinzo Abe was pronounced dead at 5:30pm (local time), says hospital

  Shinzo Abe was transported to the hospital at 12:20 pm. He was in a state of cardiac arrest upon arrival. Resuscitation was administered. However, unfortunately, he died at 5:03 pm: Hidetada Fukushima, professor of emergency medicine, Nara Medical University hospital

• Jul 08, 2022 02:52 PM IST

  PM Modi announces day-long national mourning for Shinzo Abe

  As a mark of our deepest respect for former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, a one day national mourning shall be observed on 9 July 2022.

  — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2022

  As a mark of our deepest respect for former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, a one day national mourning shall be observed on 9 July 2022: PM Modi

• Jul 08, 2022 02:48 PM IST

  ‘Deeply saddened’: Rajnath Singh

  I met with Mr Abe during my visit to Japan in 2019. I found him to be an inspiring leader who had the vision to create a safe and better world. He will always be remembered for his statesmanship. Our prayers and thoughts are with the bereaved family.

  — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 8, 2022

  Deeply saddened by the assassination of former Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Shinzo Abe. India today has lost a close friend who assiduously worked towards strengthening the bilateral relations between India and Japan, during his tenure as Prime Minister: Rajnath Singh, defence minister

• Jul 08, 2022 02:47 PM IST

  ‘My association with Shinzo Abe…’: PM Modi

  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.

  — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2022

  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 Narendra Modi

• Jul 08, 2022 02:27 PM IST

  Shinzo Abe passes away after being shot at

  [Breaking News] Officials say former Japanese Prime Minister #Abe Shinzo has been confirmed #dead. He was reportedly #shot during a speech on Friday in the city of #Nara, near Kyoto.https://t.co/bZpiKm8wIN

  — NHK WORLD News (@NHKWORLD_News) July 8, 2022

  Shinzo Abe passes away, NHK World News reports citing Japanese officials.

• Jul 08, 2022 02:11 PM IST

  Abe shooter ‘hailed’ on Chinese social media

  A Japanese man, who shot at ex-PM Shinzo Abe, is being hailed on Chinese social media, with many even calling him a ‘hero’.

• Jul 08, 2022 01:56 PM IST

  ‘Shocked by the heinous attack,’ says French President

  President Emmanuel Macron wrote in French on Twitter: “Profoundly shocked by the heinous attack of which Shinzo Abe was the victim. My thoughts are with the family and those close to a great prime minister. France is with the Japanese people.”

• Jul 08, 2022 01:55 PM IST

  Japan police raid suspect's home after Abe shooting: NHK

  Japan police raid suspect's home after Abe shooting.

• Jul 08, 2022 01:35 PM IST

  "We pray for the health of the former Japan PM," says Russian embassy in Japan

  "We pray for the health of the former prime minister of Japan, Mr Shinzo Abe," the Russian embassy in Japan said in a Facebook post.

• Jul 08, 2022 01:23 PM IST

  The Chinese foreign ministry said it was "shocked" by the shooting

  The Chinese foreign ministry said it was "shocked" by the shooting.

  "(We) hope former PM Abe will be out of danger and recover soon," spokesman Zhao Lijian said.

• Jul 08, 2022 01:16 PM IST

  'Friends and admirers in India praying for Shinzo,' tweets EAM Jaishankar

  Deeply shocked by the news about former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe.
  
  Join so many of his friends and admirers in India in praying for him and his family.

  — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 8, 2022

• Jul 08, 2022 01:13 PM IST

  Man arrested for shooting Abe says ‘was dissatisfied with ex-PM’: Report

  The Police informed that the suspect told investigators he was dissatisfied with the former prime minister and intended to kill him, Japanese broadcaster NHK reported.

• Jul 08, 2022 01:02 PM IST

  ‘He has supported Taiwan for many years…shocked and sad,’ says Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen

  In a Facebook post, Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen said that Abe is not only a good friend of mine, but also a staunch friend of Taiwan's. “I believe everyone is as surprised and sad as I am. Taiwan and Japan are both democratic countries with rule of law. On behalf of my government, I would like to severely condemn violent and illegal acts,” she wrote. “Former Prime Minister Abe is not only a good friend of mine, but also a staunch friend of Taiwan's. He has supported Taiwan for many years and spared no effort to promote the progress of Taiwan-Japan relations,” Taiwanese politician added.

• Jul 08, 2022 12:58 PM IST

  What Russian foreign minister said on Shinzo Abe shooting

  “I don't know what is behind this assassination attempt. I found out about it during the meeting. I was the first to start the speech by expressing my condolences to my Japanese colleague for what happened. There will probably be an investigation. I have nothing more to add,” says Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

• Jul 08, 2022 12:55 PM IST

  NATO chief 'deeply shocked' by 'heinous' attack on Japan's Abe

  NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg expressed shock Friday at the attack on Japan's former prime minister Shinzo Abe and said the defence alliance stood by Japan and its government under current premier Fumio Kishida.

  "Deeply shocked by the heinous shooting of @AbeShinzo as he was addressing voters. My thoughts are with him and his family. #NATO stands with the people of our close partner #Japan and PM @kishida230," Stoltenberg wrote on Twitter.

• Jul 08, 2022 12:38 PM IST

  Barbaric act of shooting is never permissible in any democracy: Japan PM

  While condemning the act of shooting Abe in "strongest terms", Kishida said that this barbaric act of shooting is never permissible in any democracy, reported Kyodo News quoting the PM as saying during a media briefing.

• Jul 08, 2022 12:23 PM IST

  First attack on a politician in 15 years, fifth since 1990

  The attack on former Japan PM was the fifth gun attack on Japanese politicians since 1990. It was the first attack in last 15 years. The last gun attack on a politician in Japan was in 2007 when Nagasaki mayor Ito Itcho was killed by Japanese crime group.

  Read more

• Jul 08, 2022 12:18 PM IST

  8 things to know about Shinzo Abe

  Shinzo Abe was the first Japanese prime minister to have been born after World War II. He was born September 21, 1954, in Tokyo.

  Read more

• Jul 08, 2022 12:14 PM IST

  New Zealand PM says, ‘Events like this shake us all to the core’

  New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who was in Sydney meeting with Albanese on Friday, said she was “deeply shocked.”

  “He was one of the first leaders I formally met when I became Prime Minister. He was deeply committed to his role, and also generous and kind. I recall him asking after the recent loss of our pet when I met him, a small gesture but one that speaks to the kind of person he is," Ardern said. "My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Japan. Events like this shake us all to the core.”

• Jul 08, 2022 12:12 PM IST

  On camera: How former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe was attacked from behind

  Shinzo Abe collapsed after he was shot at in the middle of his campaign speech in Western Japan's Nara. Abe is showing no vital signs after the attack, news agency AFP reported.

  Read more

• Jul 08, 2022 12:05 PM IST

  ‘Absolutely devastating,’ says Former US president Trump

  Former US president Donald Trump also expressed shock on the news. “Shooting of former PM Abe is absolutely devastating. Praying for him,” he said on social media.

• Jul 08, 2022 12:04 PM IST

  Man who shot at Shinzo Abe may have used self-made gun, didn't try to escape: Report

  Yamagami Tetsuya, the man who fired two shots at former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, used a gun that he appears to have made himself, Japan's public broadcaster NHK has reported, citing police.

  Read more

• Jul 08, 2022 12:03 PM IST

  PM Modi 'deeply distressed' over attack on 'dear friend' Shinzo Abe

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that he is "deeply distressed" over the attack on former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and conveyed his prayers to his family.

  Read more

• Jul 08, 2022 12:01 PM IST

  Shinzo Abe in 'very grave condition' after being shot: Japan PM

  Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said former premier Shinzo Abe is in a "very grave condition" after being shot on Friday.

  "I pray that former prime minister Abe will survive," Kishida said. "It is a barbaric act during election campaigning, which is the foundation of democracy, and it is absolutely unforgivable. I condemn this act in the strongest terms."

• Jul 08, 2022 12:00 PM IST

  Australian PM tweets: “Thoughts are with his family”

  Shocking news from Japan that former PM Shinzo Abe has been shot - our thoughts are with his family and the people of Japan at this time

  — Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) July 8, 2022

  Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese expressed shock on the news. “Shocking news from Japan that former PM Shinzo Abe has been shot - our thoughts are with his family and the people of Japan at this time," he tweeted.

• Jul 08, 2022 11:59 AM IST

  EU chief Michel 'shocked and saddened by cowardly attack'

  EU chief Michel 'shocked and saddened by cowardly attack' on former Japan PM Abe.

• Jul 08, 2022 11:58 AM IST

  UK's Johnson 'appalled and saddened' by 'despicable' attack on former Japan PM Abe

  Utterly appalled and saddened to hear about the despicable attack on Shinzo Abe.
  
  My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

  — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) July 8, 2022