Nara(Japan): Former Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot here while giving a campaign speech on Friday and rushed to a hospital in a state of cardiac arrest, media reports say.
Shinzo Abe reportedly remains in the hospital without vital signs.
Police arrested Tetsuya Yamagami, 41, of Nara on suspicion of attempted murder and seized the weapon believed to be used in the shooting, investigative sources said.
Abe was giving an Upper House election campaign speech in front of Yamato-Saidaiji Station of the Kintetsu Line at around 11.30 a.m. local time when two shots were heard.
Police sources said Abe was rushed to a hospital in a state of cardiac arrest after he was twice shot in the back.
Video taken at the scene appears to show security taken by surprise as Abe collapses at a campaigning event.
There’s no further update on Abe’s condition, Japanese media said. Emergency officials say he does not appear to have any life signs, the nhkworld reported.
Two shots were heard around 11.30 a.m., shortly after Abe began speaking in the city supporting a candidate for Sunday’s Upper House election. He collapsed while speaking on a mic and there was bleeding, as per Japanese media.
Abe was first rushed to a city hospital and then was transferred by medevac to Nara Medical University Hospital in Kashihara City. Police said Abe appeared to have been shot from behind.
The fire department said he is in cardiopulmonary arrest.
The local Liberal Democratic Party office says Abe’s appearance was decided on Thursday night and those details were later released to supporters.
