Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is shot during speech

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is shot in the chest during speech and is ‘showing no vital signs’

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot in the chest while giving a speech and is showing no vital signs after being attacked from behind.

Abe, 67, was attacked and left bleeding at a campaign event in the city of Nara on Friday, local media reported.

The former prime minister collapsed around 11:30 am and was taken to hospital after a local reporter said she heard gunshots, public broadcaster NHK reported on Friday. 

Several outlets including Kyodo news agency said the ex-premier had been attacked, with both Kyodo and public broadcaster NHK reporting the sound of an apparent gunshot. The former leader was reportedly unconscious after the incident.

A man was reportedly detained at the scene and police are investigating as paramedics rush to save Abe’s life. 

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on July 6. He was shot earlier today while giving a speech

People rush to help the former prime minister after he was shot during a speech on Friday

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