Japan is in a state of shock after former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot dead at a campaign rally in Nara, in the country’s west, as police admitted there were “undeniable” security flaws.

The assassination of Abe, one of the most famous politicians in the archipelago, who ruled the country for more than eight years, caused a feeling of deep sadness in Japan and abroad.

The perpetrator of the attack, who was arrested at the scene, admitted that he deliberately targeted Abe, explaining to police that he had a vicious attitude towards an organization he believed the former prime minister was associated with. A number of Japanese media reported that the case was linked to a religious group.

The 41-year-old assailant previously served in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and used a weapon that “appears to be homemade” and is currently under investigation.

At the time of the attack, the 67-year-old former prime minister was speaking at a rally in Nara County ahead of Sunday’s upper house elections when gunshots rang out.