Shinzo Abe Death: Joe Biden, Boris Johnson And Other World Leaders Condole Demise

Shinzo Abe was attacked by a man from behind while he was making a stump speech on a street in Nara on Friday.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

Source : Getty Images

New Delhi: World leaders were shocked by the sudden death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was shot at during a campaign event in the city of Nara, in western Japan on Friday. Abe was the longest-serving leader of Japan before he stepped down in 2020 for health reasons. According to reports, police have arrested a suspected gunman at the scene.

As per a report by news agency AP, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who returned to Tokyo from campaign events around the country, termed the shooting “barbaric and malicious.”

While expressing his condolences on the demise, US President Joe Biden said, "I'm stunned, outraged & deeply saddened by the news that my friend Abe Shinzo, former PM of Japan, was shot and killed while campaigning... US stands with Japan in this moment of grief."

US President Joe Biden, while expressing his condolences on the demise of #ShinzoAbe said, "I'm stunned, outraged & deeply saddened by the news that my friend Abe Shinzo, former PM of Japan, was shot and killed while campaigning... US stands with Japan in this moment of grief." pic.twitter.com/RSGPBNzdsO

— ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2022

"This is a tragedy for Japan & for all who knew him. I had the privilege to work closely with PM Abe. He was a champion of the Alliance b/w our nations & the friendship b/w our people. The longest-serving Japanese PM, his vision of a free & open Indo-Pacific will endure," Biden said, adding, "He cared deeply about Japanese people & dedicated his life to their service. While there are many details that we don't yet know, we know that violent attacks are never acceptable & gun violence always leaves a deep scar on communities that are affected by it."

Taking to his Twitter account, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, expressing shock, wrote, "Incredibly sad news about Shinzo Abe. His global leadership through unchartered times will be remembered by many. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the Japanese people. The UK stands with you at this dark and sad time."

Incredibly sad news about Shinzo Abe.

His global leadership through unchartered times will be remembered by many. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the Japanese people.

The UK stands with you at this dark and sad time.

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) July 8, 2022

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez tweeted, “Our forthright condemnation of this cowardly attack. Spain stands together with the people of Japan in these difficult times.”

Conmocionado por el tiroteo contra el ex primer ministro de Japón, @AbeShinzo.

Nuestros mejores deseos para él y su familia y nuestra rotunda condena a este cobarde ataque. España se solidariza con el pueblo japonés en estos difíciles momentos.

— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) July 8, 2022

“We are shocked and saddened to hear about the violent attack against former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe,” the White House said in a statement. “We are closely monitoring the reports and keeping our thoughts with his family and the people of Japan,” the statement added.

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U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, voicing his concern, said, “Our thoughts, our prayers are with his family, with the people of Japan. This is a very, very sad moment.”

Iran also condemned the incident with the Foreign Ministry spokesperson saying, “As a country that has been a victim of terrorism and has lost great leaders to terrorists, we are following the news closely and with concern.”

Deeply shocked by the tragic incident, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said, “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.”

She added, “My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Japan. Events like this shake us all to the core.”

So deeply shocked to hear about the past PM of Japan-Shinzo Abe. He was one of the first leaders I met when I became PM. He was deeply committed to his role but also generous & kind. My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Japan. Events like this shake us all to the core.

— Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) July 8, 2022

As per The Japan Times, Shinzo Abe was attacked by a man from behind while he was making a stump speech on a street in Nara on Friday. The Police seized the man who attacked Abe at around 11.30 am. The suspect is said to be a 41-year-old man named Yamagami Tetsuya, who is a former Maritime Self-Defense Force member, The Japan Times reported.