Show only key events Please enable JavaScript to use this feature Justin McCurry Media reports cite police as saying the weapon believed to have been used in the attack was homemade. One photo showed two cylindrical metal parts that appeared to be heavily bound with black tape lying on the road near the site of the attack. Justin McCurry Japan has an almost “zero tolerance” policy on gun ownership – an approach that experts say contributes to its extremely low gun crime rate. There were six gun deaths in Japan in 2014, according to the National Police Service, and the number rarely exceeds 10 in a country of 126 million people. In 2006, just two people were killed in gun attacks. The Possession of Swords and Firearms Act 1958 states: “No person shall possess a firearm or firearms or a sword or swords.” Among the few exceptions are shotguns for hunting and sporting purposes. Even then, prospective owners must attend classes and pass written and practical tests. They must then undergo psychological evaluations to determine that they are fit to own a firearm. Police background checks are exhaustive and even include questioning the relatives of gun owners. Civilian possession of weapons is prohibited. The few breaches reported in the media usually involve members of the country’s yakuza crime syndicates. According to police, there were 21 arrests for the use of firearms in 2020, of which 12 were gang-related, Nikkei Asia reported. Here’s some further reaction from Australia. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his thoughts are with Shinzo Abe’s family and the people of Japan. Shocking news from Japan that former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been assassinated – our thoughts are with his family and the people of Japan at this time — Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) July 8, 2022 Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he described Shinzo Abe as “one of the most important world leaders of the post-war era”. Morrison wrote in a statement posted on Facebook: I am deeply saddened to hear the reports of the alleged attack on former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Prime Minister Abe is a great and wise friend of Australia and one of the most important world leaders of the post-war era. Our prayers are with him, his wife Akie and the people of Japan at this very difficult time
Cell phone footage captures moments of attack
We just posted some videos of the incident in which Abe was shot. Shinzo Abe, former Prime Minister of Japan, was shot during a speech – video Updated at 05.53 BST Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he was horrified to hear of the shooting, describing Shinzo Abe as “one of the great leaders of our time”. Horrified by this terrible news from Japan. Abe Shinzo is one of the great leaders of our time. Right now we have to hope and pray that he succeeds. https://t.co/KKx1eLO4nt — Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) July 8, 2022 Justin McCurry Japanese media reported that the country’s former prime minister, Shinzo Abe, is in cardiac arrest after he was apparently shot during a campaign speech on Friday in western Japan. National broadcaster NHK quoted firefighters as saying he was out of vitals. There has been no update on Abe’s condition since the incident occurred nearly two hours ago. Japanese media often use the term “in a state of heart failure” to describe situations in which the victim is no longer alive, but the doctor has not yet signed his death certificate. It is unclear at this point whether this was the case for Abe. Updated at 05.40 BST The United States is “saddened and shocked” by the shooting death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, US Ambassador Rahm Emanuel said Friday. “Abe San has been an outstanding leader of Japan and a steadfast ally of the United States,” Emanuel said in a statement. “The US government and the American people pray for the well-being of Abe-San, his family and the people of Japan.” Abe was in the western city of Nara near Osaka when he was attacked on Friday. Nara, Japan Map of Nara Updated at 05.25 BST Justin McCurry Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno called the attack “inexcusable,” adding that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had canceled campaign stops in northeastern Japan and was returning to the Liberal Democratic Party headquarters in Tokyo.
What we know so far
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been rushed to hospital after he was apparently shot while giving a speech in Western Japan. Abe reportedly suffers from heart failure, where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. According to the Associated Press, the term is sometimes used by officials in Japan to describe situations where victims are no longer alive, but before an official declaration of death has been made. Abe has been sent to a hospital and does not appear to be in vital signs, according to a local fire department, Japan’s public broadcaster NHK reported. Police arrested a male suspect at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder, according to Japan’s public broadcaster NHK. Abe was in the city of Nara giving a campaign speech ahead of Sunday’s upper house election when shots were fired. Public broadcaster NHK broadcast footage showing Abe collapsed in the street, with several security guards running towards him. Abe was clutching his chest when he collapsed and his shirt was stained with blood.
Updated at 05.15 BST Hi, Rebecca Ratcliffe here. Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is in “cardiopulmonary arrest” after he was apparently shot while giving a campaign speech in western Japan on Friday. Read our latest report from my colleague Justin McCurry in Tokyo here. We will bring you further updates on this live blog.
