We reported that Shinzo Abe (ex-prime minister of Japan) was shot in his back while delivering a speech to campaign in Nara Japan, ahead of the upcoming elections for the upper house. The hospital declared him dead. The shooter didn’t flee and was captured at the scene. The shooter has been identified by Tetsuya Yamagami (a man from the area in his 40s who appeared to assassinate the ex-prime minister using what appears like a homemade weapon).
This was the gun used by assassinator Tetsuya Yamagami (山上徹也), who shot Ex-PM Shizo Abe during his speech at Nara City. #shooting #Japan #NaraCity #PMAbe #ShinzoAbe pic.twitter.com/L550ooN6V9
— MeGoogle (@MeGoogleB) July 8, 2022
Shooting took place in Nara at 11:30 am local time and in Washington D.C. at 10:30 pm on the East coast.
As we’ve noted, the reaction around the world has been shock in the face of the cowardly attack on Abe, who has been such a significant world leader for so many years.
Many leaders around the world have contributed their thoughts. One of them was Donald Trump, who acknowledged how a great friend Abe is to America.
“Absolutely devastating news that former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, a truly great man, and leader, has been shot, and is in very serious condition,” Trump said on Truth Social.
“He was a true friend of mine and, much more importantly, America. It is an immense blow for Japan’s wonderful citizens, who loved him deeply and were his idols. We are all praying for Shinzo and his beautiful family!”
Abe was the first leader to recognize Trump upon his election.
Mike Pence called Abe a “remarkable leader” and an “unshakeable ally.”
Leaders from around the world, from Poland to India, gave Japan and Abe’s family their support and talked about the significance of Abe. Even Boris Johnson — who just announced he was going to resign — thought enough to weigh in and send his support.
We are deeply shocked by this abominable attack against Shinzo Abe.
My thoughts are with his loved ones and family.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) July 8, 2022
Vladimir Putin even issued a statement calling Abe “an enemy of the people”. “outstanding statesman”And his passing “irreparable loss”
U.S. Rahm Emanuel (ambassador to Japan), did make a statement.
All of us are shocked and saddened by the murder of Abe Shinzo (ex-Prime Minister). Abe Shinzo was an exceptional leader for Japan and an unwavering ally for the U.S. The U.S. Government and American people are praying for the well-being of Abe-san, his family, & people of Japan.
— ラーム・エマニュエル駐日米国大使 (@USAmbJapan) July 8, 2022
It took us almost eight hours to receive any sort of response from White House after we had shot the footage. Unnamed spokesperson finally made a comment.
The White House is “shocked and saddened to hear about the violent attack against former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe,” a White House spokesperson tells CNN https://t.co/l3DtAqwFl7
— CNN (@CNN) July 8, 2022
That’s embarrassing and shameful, particularly given the seriousness of the event, the importance of Abe on the world stage, and what a significant ally he and Japan have been to the United States. Their alliance is one of the strongest on the international stage. Our support should come from the top, so we must stand by Japan. But hours later, past 8:00 a.m. in Washington, D.C. now, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris still had not weighed in — missing in action for the 10:30 call.
They will, I believe. However, this message is very negative and sends the wrong message to Japan as well as the rest of the world.