Ex-Japan PM Shinzo Abe Shot Dead, Attacker Held, India Declares 1-Day Mourning | Key Points

Shinzo Abe Death: The attack on Shinzo Abe, probably the most recognisable Japanese politician in recent times, stunned the nation that has one of the strictest gun control laws.

Artists carry a painting of former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe in Mumbai

Source : AFP

Peaceful Japan was rattled by the shock assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe at a political campaign event on Friday. The attack on Abe, probably the most recognisable Japanese politician in recent times, stunned the nation that has one of the strictest gun control laws even though police arrested the accused within minutes.  

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio ordered enhanced security for Cabinet ministers and other politicians following the incident, which he called "dastardly and barbaric". Several leaders across the globe, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden, expressed shock and anguish over the assassination.

Abe became Japan's youngest prime minister in 2006, at age 52. He is credited with bringing ambitious economic reforms during his terms, especially his "Abenomics" formula, which combined fiscal stimulus, monetary easing and structural reforms. He is also known for forging some key diplomatic relationships.

Ex-Japan PM Shinzo Abe Death: Here Are The Top Developments

• Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest-serving leader, was giving a speech outside a train station in Japan's Nara ahead of Sunday's Upper House election when two gunshots rang out. Abe collapsed holding his chest, with his shirt smeared with blood.
• The former Japan PM was airlifted to a nearby hospital in Nara. He was later pronounced dead after receiving massive blood transfusions.
• A doctor who treated Abe said the leader suffered major damage to his heart, along with two neck wounds that damaged an artery. He never regained his vital signs, AP reported.
• A 41-year-old man, Tetsuya Yamagami, was arrested for the killing. Visuals by Japanese media showed security guards leaping on top of Yamagami, who was wearing a gray shirt. He is then seen lying face down on a pavement overpowered by security officials.
• NHK, Japan's public broadcaster, reported that Yamagami is a former member of Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force, Japan's equivalent of Navy. The suspect served in the force for three years in the 2000s.
• Tetsuya Yamagami admitted to attacking Abe and told investigators that he held a grudge against an organisation he believed the politician was connected to.
• Police said they found several homemade guns in Yamagami's apartment. A double-barreled device that appeared to be a handmade gun was used by the shooter to kill Abe.
• India announced a day of mourning as a mark of respect for Shinzo Abe. The national flag will be kept at half-mast on all buildings in India on Saturday.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recalling his personal association with Abe, said he was shocked and saddened beyond words at the tragic demise of one of his "dearest friends". PM Modi said Abe was a towering global statesman, an outstanding leader, and a remarkable administrator.
• US President Joe Biden expressed outrage over the former Japan PM's assassination and stressed that gun violence always leaves a deep scar on the communities that are affected by it. "I am stunned, outraged, and deeply saddened by the news that my friend Shinzo Abe, 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.