SHINZO Abe is a Japanese politician who served multiple terms as Prime Minister.
Abe also served as President of the Liberal Democratic Party.
Who is Shinzo Abe?
Abe was born on September 21, 1954 in Tokyo.
He is married to Akie Abe.
The 67-year-old served as Japan’s Prime Minister from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020.
Abe is the longest-serving Prime Minister in Japan’s history.
He stepped down in 2020, citing health reasons involving a relapse of a bowel disease.
“I don’t want to make mistakes in important political decisions,” Abe told reporters at the time.
“I decided I shouldn’t continue sitting in this seat as long as I cannot respond to the mandate of the people with confidence.”
What happened at the campaign event in Nara?
Abe was making a speech at a campaign event in Nara at about 11.30am local time when he was allegedly shot from behind.
Two gunshots were reportedly fired, producing white clouds of smoke.
Abe collapsed after the second shot was fired, according to reports.
He was rushed to the hospital following the incident.
A suspect – reportedly a man in his 40s – was quickly apprehended by police.
The campaign event was in preparation for the July 10 upper house election.
Who is the current Japanese Prime Minister?
Fumio Kishida became Prime Minster of Japan in 2021.
He succeeded Yoshihide Suga, who served for one year.
Kishisa previously served as Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2012 to 2017, and then as acting Minister of Defense in 2017.
He has a wife and three sons.
