World reacts with shock after former Japan PM Shinzo Abe gets shot at: 'We are all saddened and shocked'

JAPAN'S former prime minister Shinzo Abe was said to be in grave condition after he was shot at during a political campaign event. The veteran politician, who is the longest-serving prime minister in the history of the east Asian nation from 2012 to 2020, was shot at two times while giving a speech in the southern Japanese city of Nara, around 490 kilometres from national capital Tokyo, on Friday (8) morning.

The 67-year-old leader, who served as the prime minister in two phases (2006-07 and 2012-20) and stepped down from the top post in 2020 on health grounds, immediately collapsed and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Pictures taken on the spot showed the former premier bleeding. The gunman was tackled by security officials and is now in police custody.

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Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida later addressed the media where he emotionally said that his predecessor was in a “very grave condition”.

“Currently doctors are doing everything they can,” Kishida, who appeared to be in tears, said, adding that he was “praying from his heart” that Abe would survive.

The world was shell-shocked by the incident and foreign dignitaries from across the globe reacted with condemnation and prayers.

Here are some reactions:

“We are all saddened and shocked by the shooting of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo. Abe-san has been an outstanding leader of Japan and unwavering ally of the U.S. The U.S. Government and American people are praying for the well-being of Abe-san, his family, & people of Japan,” US ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel said.

“I am shocked and saddened to hear of the terrible events in Nara. Former Prime Minister Abe is a close friend of the UK. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this time,” UK ambassador to Japan Julia Longbottom said.

“Shocking news from Japan that former PM Shinzo Abe has been shot – our thoughts are with his family and the people of Japan at this time,” Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said.

“Deeply distressed by the attack on my dear friend Abe Shinzo. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the people of Japan,” Indian prime minister Narendra Modi tweeted.

“I do have to say before we meet how deeply saddened and deeply concerned we are by the news coming from Japan about the attempt on the life of Prime Minister Abe. We don’t know his condition, we do know he’s been shot and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family, with the people of Japan. This is a very, very sad moment and we’re waiting news from Japan,” US secretary of state Antony Blinken said.

“I believe everyone is as surprised and sad as I am. Taiwan and Japan are both democratic countries with rule of law. On behalf of my government, I would like to severely condemn violent and illegal acts. Former Prime Minister Abe is not only a good friend of mine, but also a staunch friend of Taiwan’s. He has supported Taiwan for many years and spared no effort to promote the progress of Taiwan-Japan relations. I hope that former Prime Minister Abe will get out of danger as soon as possible, and that our good friend will have safe news,” Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen said via Facebook.