On Friday, July 08, Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe got attacked by a gunshot while giving a speech at a campaign event near the Nara area. He has been taken to Nara Medical University Hospital, as the Japanese news agency reported.
As reported by AFP, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said, "Former prime minister Abe was shot at around 11:30 am in Nara. One man, believed to be the shooter, has been taken into custody. The condition of the former PM is currently unknown."
As per the broadcast footage, Shinzo Abe fell on the road with many security guards running toward him. While collapsing, he was holding his chest and his shirt was stained with blood.
NHK is broadcasting the moment that Japanese Former PM Shinzo Abe was shot from behind. Video does not show the shooter, just the puff of smoke. pic.twitter.com/4CNW1JTmvn
— Global: MilitaryInfo (@Global_Mil_Info) July 8, 2022
Japan's longest-serving Prime Minister
67-year-old Shinzo has been taken to the Nara Medical University Hospital near the event place. Ahead of elections for the Upper House of Parliament, he was campaigning and sharing a speech. News agency NHK and Kyodo News said, "the former leader had been delivering a stump speech at an event ahead of Sunday's upper house elections when the apparent sound of gunshots was heard."
He has served Japan for the longest time ever. Due to poor health, he resigned in 2020, he said, "I cannot be prime minister if I cannot make the best decisions for the people. I have decided to step down from my post."