Jakarta, IO – Former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe was shot by an unknown person. The shocking incident occurred when Abe delivered a political speech in the western city of Nara, Friday (8/7).
According to Kyodo News, Abe was shot at around 11:30 a.m. local time. He was shot in the back by someone holding what appeared to be a shotgun. Abe immediately fell to the ground, bleeding from the chest after two shots were heard. The 41-year-old attacker has been taken into custody.
Abe was then rushed to a hospital and was reportedly unconscious. Local rescue workers said it was possible he suffered a heart failure.
Abe was Japan’s longest-serving prime minister before he stepped down in 2020. During his tenure, the 67-year-old brought Japan out of deflation, and bolstered Japan’s defense capability.
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In addition, he is also known for his plans to restore Japan’s sluggish economy through unprecedented quantitative easing and regulatory reforms. (un)