Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was attacked on Friday and found bleeding and unconscious during an incident in the western city of Nara.
Several local media outlets, including the Kyodo news agency, reported that the former prime minister had been attacked. Kyodo and national broadcaster NHK reported that gunfire was heard.
For its part, the Japanese broadcaster said that then what sounded like gunshots were heard and authorities arrested a suspect.
Meanwhile, national broadcaster NHK reported that he did not show any vital signs after being taken to the hospital.
Abe appeared to be suffering from heart and respiratory failure, a term used in Japan before his death was officially confirmed, the station said, citing a local fire department. There was no immediate confirmation from police or fire officials, according to AFP.
For his part, a source told Al Arabiya/Al Hadith that Abe’s health is not optimistic, noting that the person who attacked Shinzo Abe is 41 years old.
He added that the authorities have launched an investigation into the attack, noting that what happened was a big shock to Japan Street.
He also stated that so far there is no information about the party that carried out this attack and he believes that this is an individual act.
It is worth noting that Abe is the longest-serving prime minister of the country, and he resigned in August 2020 due to health reasons.
This is the second time that Abe has resigned due to health reasons, as he resigned in 2007 after spending a year in the post, also for health reasons.
Shinzo Abe was shot in the chest in Nara. The attacker was arrested pic.twitter.com/WfkUDH9lfo
— Gordon Knight (@GordonlKnight) July 8, 2022
He has suffered from ulcerative colitis for years, and his frequent visits to the hospital twice in a week recently raised questions about whether he would be able to stay in office until the end of the ruling party’s term as prime minister in September 2021.
While he has been criticized for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and scandals among party members, his approval rating has fallen to one of the lowest levels in his nearly eight-year presidency.
Source: Lebanon Debate
