Nara(Japan), July 8 : Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is in critical condition after a shooting on Friday at a campaign rally in western Japanese city here.
Police have arrested a 41-year-old man for attempted murder. He was identified as Yamagami Tetsuya, a former member of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, the police was quoted as saying by Japanese media NHK.
The gunman admitted he tried to kill Abe because he was ‘dissatisfied’ with him, said the police. “Suspect ‘intended to kill’ former PM Abe,” said the police.
There were two shots heard around 11.30 a.m., shortly after Abe began to speaking at the campaign rally. Police say that the former prime minister appears to have been shot around his chest and neck.
Abe reportedly remains in hospital without vital signs after being shot on the street here.
Investigative sources told NHK a gun seized at the scene appeared to be handmade.
The 41-year-old suspect lives in Nara city where the shooting took place. Defense sources said the suspect worked for the Maritime Self Defense Force for three years until around 2005.
Police say the suspect told investigators that he was dissatisfied with the former prime minister and intended to kill him.
Video taken by an NHK reporter appears to show security for the event apprehending someone.
There’s no further update on Abe’s condition. Emergency officials say he does not appear to have any life signs, the NHK report said.
Abe was in the city to support a candidate for Sunday’s Upper House election.
The local Liberal Democratic Party office says Abe’s appearance was decided on Thursday night and those details were later released to supporters.