UPDATE — 8 July 2022: Former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe has died after he was shot during a campaign speech in the city of Nara.
Japanese public broadcaster NHK first reported that Abe had died.
The publication originally reported Abe was rushed to hospital after collapsing and was in a “state of cardiopulmonary arrest” and “showing no vital signs” after visibly bleeding from his chest.
Per the Guardian, Abe was reportedly shot from behind with a shotgun in what is believed to be an assassination attempt.
According to NHK, one man has been taken into custody after the shooting.
BREAKING: Former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe was shot at a campaign event Friday, broadcaster NHK reported, citing Japanese police sources. NHK reported Abe was showing no vital signs. At least two gunshots were heard on-site.
More to come. https://t.co/vDgmlt99UQ
— Michelle Ye Hee Lee (@myhlee) July 8, 2022
https://twitter.com/khalid_pk/status/1545240600210989057?s=20&t=ihVMSOCvML0rsuTSXhk_dA
Shinzo Abe was at a campaign event making a speech before Japan’s upper house elections this Sunday.
