New Delhi: Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe is battling with life after being shot at while addressing a public rally in Western Japan this morning.
Update: Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe dies
The suspect was immediately nabbed by the police.
The man has been identified as Tetsuya Yamagami, who was 'former maritime self defence force member'.
Japanese media has reported that the suspect in the shooting had been a member of the maritime self defence force member for about three years, until around 2005.
Two women who witnessed the incident told NHK that the man approached Abe from behind when he was delivering his speech. A first gunshot was heard, nobody appeared to be injured, the witnesses said. When a second shot was fired Abe fell to the ground and people rushed to treat him.
Abe’s scheduled speech had been publicised on Thursday evening.
The photo of the suspect has been tweeted by several local media houses who can be seen aiming at Abe from behind with a shot gun.
BNO News tweeted a video showing the gun shot hitting Abe.
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