Former Japan PM Shinzo Abe Unconscious After Shooting; Man in Custody

Former Japan PM Shinzo Abe Unconscious After Shooting; Man in Custody
bloomberg.com

Jul 07 2022 23:10:51

By Ryotaro Nakamaru

(Bloomberg) -- Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was unconscious and unresponsive after he was apparently shot in the chest during a political event in the western city of Nara on Friday, national broadcaster NHK and local media reports said.

Abe, 67, was apparently shot in the chest, national broadcaster NHK said, adding a man had been apprehended at the scene. The suspect appeared to be a young or middle-aged man, an NHK reporter said.

Abe was rushed to a hospital and unconscious after the attack. He may have gone into cardiac arrest, Kyodo News reported, citing local firefighters.

07/07 23:17 ET Witnesses on NHK are saying that Abe was shot from behind. Abe took one step back at the first shot and fell at the second shot, they said.

07/07 23:24 ET Police have seized the gun, NHK is reporting. There is some confusion about the gun used, with one witness saying “it looked like a toy bazooka.”

07/07 23:24 ET The news reports are saying that Abe is in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest -- i.e. without vital signs.

As only a doctor can pronounce someone dead, this is language often used by police before a confirmation is made. While we don’t have details yet, the language being used is not encouraging for Abe’s condition. Oh

07/07 23:36 photos of the shooter have emerged

https://www.asahi.com/articles/photo/AS20220708001407.html?i...