According to NHK public television, Shinzo Abe, the former prime minister of Japan, appeared to have been shot during a campaign speech in western Japan. Abe collapsed bleeding and experienced heart failure.
Abe reportedly received emergency medical attention and was taken to a hospital, according to NHK.
Witnesses claimed to have heard gunshots during the alleged incident in Nara. Prior to Sunday’s election for the upper house of parliament, he was standing while delivering a campaign address.
The broadcaster showed images of Abe lying motionless in the street as many security personnel rushed to help him. When Abe passed out, he was gripping his chest and had blood all over his clothes. According to NHK, Abe was taken directly to a hospital.
On suspicion of attempted murder, police detained a male suspect at the scene, according to NHK.
Who Is Shinzo Abe?
Shinzo Abe is a politician from Japan who formerly held the offices of Prime Minister of Japan from 2006 to 2007 and President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) from 2012 to 2020.
He served as prime minister of Japan for the longest time.Abe previously worked for Junichiro Koizumi as Chief Cabinet Secretary from 2005 to 2006, and he temporarily led the opposition in 2012.