Shinzo Abe shooting: US ambassador Rahm Emanuel ‘saddened and shocked’

The former prime minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe was shot at while delivering a speech in western Japan on Friday and is reported critical, local media reported. The US ambassador, Rahm Emanuel, stated that he is “saddened and shocked” by the shooting of Abe.

In a statement, according to the news agency Reuters, Emanuel praised Abe as “Abe-san has been an outstanding leader of Japan and unwavering ally of the United States.”

“The U.S. government and American people are praying for the well-being of Abe-san, his family, and the people of Japan,” he added. 

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What had happened?

Japan news agency NHK and the Kyodo news agency reported that an apparent sound of gunfire was heard when Abe was giving a stump speech at a gathering prior to Sunday’s upper house elections.

A video of Abe collapsing to the ground and numerous security personnel rushing to help him was broadcasted. When he fell, Abe was gripping his chest and his shirt was covered in blood. The former Japan PM was immediately rushed to a hospital.

It was still unclear about how severe the wounds were or whether he was still showing vital signs.

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Meanwhile, Japanese law officials arrested a suspect for attempted murder. The man, who appeared to be in his 40s, was identified as Tetsuya Yamagami who reportedly had a gun. 

The attack came as a shock because such an incident took place in a nation with among of the strongest gun control regulations in the world and is known for its safety.

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Shinzo Abe is a political dynamo who was raised to carry on his grandfather’s legacy as former prime minister Nobusuke Kishi. His political discourse frequently centred on transforming Japan into a “normal” and “beautiful” country with a more powerful military and a larger involvement in world affairs.