Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe taken to hospital after being shot, local media reports
NHK Public Television said on Friday that former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was in heart failure after allegedly being shot during a campaign speech in western Japan on Friday.
The broadcaster broadcast footage showing Abe falling down the street, with several security guards running towards him. Abe was holding his chest when he fell, his shirt stained with blood. NHK says Abe was taken to hospital.
Witnesses reported hearing gunshots in the apparent attack in Nara. He stood as he delivered an election campaign speech ahead of Sunday’s election to the Upper House of Parliament.
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NHK said police had arrested a male suspect on suspicion of attempted murder from the scene.
67-year-old Abe, Japan’s longest-serving prime minister resigned in September 2020 due to health problems.
kyodo kyodo
This is a developing story. It will be updated as more information becomes available.
