Shinzo Abe

Shinzo Abe

 Who is Shinzo Abe?

Abe was born on September 21, 1954 in Tokyo.

He comes from a political family, with his grandfather and great-uncle both having served as Prime Minister.

His father was also a politician and served as Japan’s foreign minister.

The 67-year-old was Japan's Prime Minister from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020.Abe married Akie Abe in June 1987.

The couple do not have any children.

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 on Friday, July 8, 2022, when he was allegedly shot from behind.

Two gunshots were reportedly fired, producing white clouds of smoke.

One shot reportedly hit him in the neck.

Abe collapsed after the second shot was fired, according to reports.

He was rushed to the hospital following the incident but local Japanese outlets report that Abe is not showing any vital signs.

Abe died from his wounds a short time later, according to NHK.

A suspect - named as Yamagami Tetsuya, 41 - was quickly apprehended by police.

The campaign event was in preparation for the July 10, 2022, 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.