Japan’s ex-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been rushed to the hospital after apparently being shot while giving an address, local media reports said, noting that bystanders heard two loud bangs before Abe collapsed.
Abe fell to the ground during a speech in the city of Nara on Friday and was seen bleeding, according to NHK, which added that he was in a state of “cardiopulmonary arrest” afterward, citing local fire officials.
Photos and footage circulating online purported to show the aftermath of the incident, including what appeared to be a homemade firearm. Paramedics were also seen working on Abe before he was taken in for treatment, while bystanders watched nearby.
A suspected shooter has reportedly been apprehended.
Japan’s longest serving prime minister, Abe was campaigning for an upcoming parliamentary election this weekend, speaking in favor of the ruling Liberal Democratic party.
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