Shinzo Abe was elected as the Prime Minister of the constitutional monarchy of Japan for four terms. However, today the former PM was shot while he was delivering a speech in the city of Nara in the western territory of the country.
Who is Shinzo Abe?
Prime Minister Abe Shinzo was the elected PM of Japan for four consecutive terms with the last being in 2017. He was the third longest-serving PM of the country. PM Shinzo belonged to a political family himself. From 1957 to 1960, his grandpa Nobusuke Kishi presided as prime minister of Japan, and from 1964 to 1972, his great-uncle Eisaku Sato did likewise. Abe Shinzo graduated with a degree in Political Science from Seiki University in Tokyo. He had completed his further studies at the University of Southern California, post which he returned to Japan and became a secretary to his father who was the Foreign Minister at the time.
Mr Shinzo soon joined the Liberal-Democratic Party and secured a post in the lower house of the parliament in 1993. He had undertaken a tough stance against North Koreans and had secured much of the support for his stance from the parliament. Over the years PM Shinzo had held many crucial posts. He has been elected as a Member of the House of Representatives, seven times. During his political career, he held many important positions such as President of the Liberal Democratic Party, Secretary-General of LDP, along with the country’s most powerful office Prime Minister of Japan.
Shot dead in broad daylight
Prime Minister Kishida had informed the world today of the grave incident through a press conference. It was reported by the local authorities that the former Prime Minister was showing no vital signs. However, the hospital later confirmed that he succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead.
Reports were received of a man being apprehended on the scene of the incident by the local officials. The suspect has been identified as a male in his 40s. According to social media videos, Abe is speaking in front of a crowd of around 100 people close to the Yamato-Sadaiji railway station. When a loud blast was heard. And what seems to be gun smoke can be seen behind him. After the first shot, Shinzo Abe was observed standing still. However, a second gunshot was also heard as the camera pans away and people started screaming. In this respect, PM Narendra Modi also mentioned distress over the incident which included his “dear friend”.
