Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe has died after he was shot twice while campaigning on the streets of the city of Nara, ahead of Sunday’s upper house elections. The incident took place at 11:30 this morning. A witness told NHK (Japan’s national broadcaster) that:
‘He (Abe) was giving a speech and a man came from behind. The first shot sounded like a toy. He didn’t fall and there was a large bang. The second shot was more visible, you could see the spark and smoke. After the second shot, people surrounded him and gave him cardiac massage.’
Security attending to the former Japanese leader apprehended the suspected gunman, a 41-year-old, believed to be Tetsuya Yamagami, a former member of the Japanese maritime self defense force, and his weapon was seized. The attack was captured on dramatic mobile phone footage.
Japanese politicians, even the most prominent, are remarkably accessible and exposed
The motivation for the attack can only be guessed at, though we have a few snippets of information.
Get Britain's best politics newsletters
Register to get The Spectator's insight and opinion straight to your inbox. You can then read two free articles each week.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in