Shinzo Abe assassinated; India joins Japan in mourning

Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, 67 years old, was assassinated while delivering a speech in Nara, Japan, on July 8.

The Japanese leader was campaigning for a Parliamentary election when two gunshots were fired. The first bullet missed him, but the second one struck him in the chest.

Shot at around 11.30 am, Shinzo Abe was airlifted to a hospital in Nara by 12.20 pm. According to the local media reports, he was taken to the hospital in a state of cardiac arrest, and the doctors had attempted massive blood transfusions to compensate for blood loss. He was pronounced dead at 5.03 pm.

The suspect, 41-year-old Tetsuya Yamagami, a former member of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, was taken into custody within minutes. He reportedly had ‘grievances’ against the former Prime Minister and hated a group to which the PM belonged. Several pictures show him carrying what seems to be a homemade gun.

The world leaders reacted to the news with shock and disbelief. Expressing condolences, India said it stands with the Japanese people in this difficult moment. PM Modi said he was shocked and saddened.

I am shocked and saddened beyond words at the tragic demise of one of my dearest friends, Shinzo Abe. He was a towering global statesman, an outstanding leader, and a remarkable administrator. He dedicated his life to make Japan and the world a better place.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2022

India will observe national mourning on July 9 as a mark of deep respect for the Padma Vibhushan recipient Shinzo Abe. The Ministry of External Affairs noted the efforts by Shinzo Abe to bolster the friendship between India and Japan.

Shinzo Abe, a global leader

Abe, 67 years old, was the longest-serving prime minister of Japan. Although he became Prime Minister in 2006, he resigned in a year.

It was his second term from 2012-2020 that established him as one of the most influential global leaders.

I am stunned, outraged, and deeply saddened by the news that my friend Abe Shinzo, former Prime Minister of Japan, was shot and killed. He was a champion of the friendship between our people.

The United States stands with Japan in this moment of grief.

— President Biden (@POTUS) July 8, 2022

Shinzo Abe’s monetary easing, fiscal spending, and growth strategy, referred to as the ‘three arrows,’ are collectively known as ‘Abenomics.’

He is also a key figure behind the formation of the ‘QUAD,’ a group comprising India, Japan, Australia, and the US, aiming for a free and open Indo-Pacific, among other goals.

Shinzo Abe’s grandfather Nobusuke Kishi also served as the Prime Minister, and his father, Shintaro Abe, served as the Foreign Minister.