Japanese officials confirm Shinzo Abe was shot

Japanese officials have confirmed former prime minister Shinzo Abe has been shot.

The Chief Cabinet Secretary says Mr Abe was attacked while delivering a speech in the western city of Nara and was taken to hospital via helicopter.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has responded to the news on Twitter, sending his thoughts to Mr Abe’s family and the citizens of Japan.

“Shocking news from Japan that former PM Shinzo Abe has been shot - our thoughts are with his family and the people of Japan at this time,” his tweet said.

[davehue]

So sad to hear this news. Shinzo Abe has been a sincere and intelligent leader. I pray for him and the people of Japan.

[staggeringdeath]

Shinzo Abe loved his people unlike leaders from Australia, Europe and America, his refusal to allow his country to be flooded with immigrants definitely made him the odd one out....respect!

[kathleendanford]

My prayer are with him and his family🙏🏻

[katherinesavarese]

Im praying for the people of Japan. This is psychologically catastrophic!

Prayers from Texas 🙏

[onedayatatime]

Hope he survives this and makes a full recovery 🙏

[GLEN]

No that can't happen, firearm ownership is completely forbidden in Japan!

[linda]

So sorry for this loss. I pray for his family.

[Yells_at_Cloud]

Interesting, much more to this story.

[vegetaismydad]

He didn't make it, unfortunately. He passed this evening from his injuries (right neck and left side of his chest). Suspect's name is Testuya Yamaguchi and investigators suspect the shotgun used may have been homemade. According to many Japanese news sites and witness accounts, the shooter was standing approximately 3 meters (10 ft) away from Abe when he shot him. How no one noticed a man with a whole shotgun that close to a high profile politican is beyond me.

[ElizabethWarrenYeahYeah]

This is so rare to hear of any shooting in Japan.
I hope he recovers.

[mikemoss]

CRITICAL CONDITOIN!! I'll take it. Prayers for a full recovery.

Edit guess prayers didn't work this time...

[ShaneDAZ]

Apparently I'm the very first to say this but does anybody notice that the same day that they ex Prime Minister of Japan was assassinated or attempted to be that the prime minister of the United Kingdom resigned that's way too much of a coincidence anybody knows they don't usually exist for an insignificant reason!?

[lana]

He knew something he shouldn't have.

[tma_rain]

I am Japanese, and I am very shocked this issue…😢
I strongly hope that Abe alive…

[Linkwii]

Every strange in UK one leader resign and on another land a former PM got shots both same day.

[kashakellar]

I'm shocked and deeply saddened by this news of the Japan PM. Still waiting on news of a SUSPECT considering it was in a very, VERY open, segregated area. I keep wondering why the main camera was not in the PM while he was speaking but instead fixed on a random security guard that surrounded him.

[cameronnorton]

I wonder who organized this or what could be a possible motive?

[garymckee]

As a Canadian who has had the opportunity to visit Japan many times, I am heartbroken over the assassination of Shinzo Abe. I have tears in my eyes. He was loved and revered by the Japanese people and undoubtedly was their finest PM in recent years. So sad.

[rahn]

Japan's gun laws state that no one can own firearms (or swords) yet here we are!

[ǾœœǾ]

Tetsuyo Yamagami: Man Who Attacked Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe Used Handmade Gun, Served In Japanese Navy