Former prime minister assassinated

Former Prime Minister of Japan shot twice while campaigning for his Liberal Democratic Party candidate on Thursday  has been confirmed dead on Friday.

“Former prime minister Shinzo Abe died at a hospital in Kashihara city, Nara, where he was receiving medical treatment”, said national broadcaster NHK.

According to report, Abe collapsed after a man opened fire from behind; two bullets hit him.

He was speaking in front of Kintetsu Railway’s Yamato-Saidaiji Station.

Police have arrested Tetsuya Yamagami, 41, a former member of the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) for attempted murder.

The 67-year-old was rushed to the Nara Medical University Hospital in Kashihara City.

The local police and emergency services had disclosed that Abe showed no vital signs.

The Nara City Fire Department said he was in cardio-pulmonary arrest before being taken to the hospital.

Abe stepped down in August 2020 due to a relapse of chronic intestinal disease.

He was Japan’s longest serving PM.