Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s body has been delivered in a motorcade to his Tokyo residence. Abe was fatally shot on Friday morning in the southern city of Nara while addressing a party rally.
As per police looking into the murder, the suspect had a vendetta against “a certain organization.” According to them, the accused shooter, Tetsuya Yamagami, 41, thought Abe is involved. Yamagami confessed to using a homemade pistol to shoot him, according to the authorities.
As a hearse carrying Abe’s body arrived at his residence in Tokyo. Members of his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), dressed in black. They lined up to pay their respects.
Current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to visit this afternoon.
According to local media reports, a night vigil will be held on Monday. Abe’s funeral is due to take place on Tuesday.
The passing of Former PM has shaken Japan
Abe served as prime leader of Japan for the longest period of time. His passing at the age of 67 has deeply shaken a nation where gun violence is extremely uncommon.
In the days leading up to Sunday’s elections for the upper chamber of parliament, he was slain while running for his party.
Prime Minister Kishida, another LDP member, declared himself “absolutely flabbergasted”. He vowed that Japan’s democracy would “never bow to violence.”
He stated that the voting on Sunday would still take place. The election campaign would continue on Saturday with increased security.
Gunman did not attempt to escape
Police are looking into whether Abe’s murderer acted alone and why he singled out Abe.
Firstly, he was shot from behind while delivering a speech in support of a political candidate at a traffic light in the southern city of Nara. Secondly, the guy photographed shortly before the incident was standing close to Abe.
Moreover, witnesses reported seeing a guy with a big gun approach Abe from behind and fire twice. As onlookers yelled in amazement and dismay. It happened when the former prime minister collapsed to the ground.
Security guards jumped on the shooter. He made no attempt to flee.
The weapon was built from wood and metal and covered with duct tape
According to the authorities, Abe was killed with a weapon made of metal and wood that seemed to be taped together.
However, other homemade weapons and explosives eventually discovered at the suspect’s residence.
During the assault, Abe sustained two gunshot wounds to his neck and heart damage. Moreover, in the moments following the attack, he was said to be alert and responding, but by the time he moved for treatment, medics claimed no vital signs had been found.
In conclusion, he was officially declared dead on Friday at 17:03 local time (08:03 GMT). The doctors tried for hours to rescue him.
Gun violence is exceedingly rare in Japan
Gun violence is exceedingly rare in Japan. It is illegal to own pistols. Political violence is practically unheard in the nation.
Just six gun-related deaths occurred in Japan in 2014, compared to 33,599 in the US.
Moreover, an individual must pass a demanding examination and a mental health screening in order to buy a handgun. Even then, only shotguns and air rifles are allowed.
Global leaders have denounced the act
The act is denounced by prominent voices throughout the world. The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson calling it a “despicable attack.”
US President Joe Biden contacted Prime Minister Kishida to express his “outrage, grief, and heartfelt condolences” at Abe’s death. He called the killing “a tragedy for Japan and for everyone who knew him [Abe].”
Over the weekend, Mr. Biden ordered that all US flags be flown at half-mast.
President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil proclaimed three days of national mourning. He expressed his fury and grief. While Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Abe as a world statesman.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol condemned the incident as an “unacceptable act of crime”. He expressed sympathy to “the Japanese people for the loss of their longest-serving prime minister and a renowned leader.”
Mourners expressing their rage on social media
“I still can’t believe it,” say the mourners on the street where Shinzo Abe was assassinated.
The hashtag “We want democracy, not violence” was trending throughout Friday on Japanese social media. Many users expressing their anger and outrage at the event.
Shinzo Abe became Prime Minister in 2006. At 52, he was Japan’s youngest postwar Prime Minister. However, he stood down and resigned a year later after the Liberal Democratic Party lost an upper house election.
