A former Japanese prime minister, Shinzo Abe, died after being shot Friday during an election campaign rally, sending shock waves through a country unaccustomed to gun violence.
Police arrested a 41-year-old man who they said approached Abe from behind as he gave a speech in the city of Nara and fired twice with what appeared to be an improvised firearm. A doctor who treated Mr. Abe said he had gunshot wounds near the base of his neck and one bullet pierced his heart.
Abe, 67, was the longest-serving prime minister in Japanese history and remained powerful even after stepping down in 2020. During his term in office, he pushed to strengthen the nation’s military, beefed up cooperation with U.S. forces and made Tokyo a more muscular force in international diplomacy.
In testimony to his influence, condolences and tributes poured in from many nations including the allies Abe cultivated: India, Australia, the U.K. and, above all, the U.S.
“The United States has lost a trusted partner and an outspoken advocate for our shared ideals,” said the U.S. ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel.
India declared a national day of mourning. Australia’s prime minister called Abe’s death devastating.
The bloodshed unfolded at a campaign speech like thousands Abe had delivered during his nearly three decades as a member of Parliament. He was visiting Nara, in western Japan near Osaka, to deliver a speech on the street supporting a ruling-party candidate in elections Sunday for Parliament’s upper house. The city, which was capital of Japan in the eighth century, is known for its temples and shrines and has a population of about 350,000.
Security was light, as it almost always is at such events in Japan. Even when Abe was prime minister, anyone could get near him at campaign speeches without being checked for weapons.
