Japan’s ex-PM Shinzo Abe hospitalised after gun attack during campaign event

According to media reports, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot dead on Friday while delivering a speech during a campaign rally in the Nara region.

A public broadcaster, NHP, reported that a gunshot was apparently heard, after which Abe fainted.

A video clip on social media shows the former prime minister being taken to hospital as he was bleeding from his neck.

Japanese officials said Abe was suffering from cardiac arrest, a term used in Japan before doctors could confirm the death threat.

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Later, the Japanese government confirmed that Abe had been shot in the western part of Nara.

“Former Prime Minister Abe was shot dead in Nara around 11:30 a.m. local time. A man believed to be the attacker has been taken into custody. Former Prime Minister Abe’s condition is unknown at this time, “Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters.