Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot from behind and killed in the city of Nara while giving a speech for Kei Sato, member of the Japanese Upper House (House of Councillors) running for re-election in Nara. The attacker opened fire at 11:30 local time, hitting Mr. Abe twice in the neck. The former prime minister collapsed, was airlifted to the nearest hospital, and was pronounced dead at 17:03 local time. 

Medical workers told local media outlets that Abe received over 100 units of blood in transfusions, but passed away after hours of unsuccessful treatment. While some sources say that Mr. Abe was conscious and responsive in the minutes immediately after the shooting, doctors stated that by the time the 67 year-old former prime minister arrived at the hospital, he showed no vital signs. 

Japanese police have identified the gunman as 41 year-old Tetsuya Yamagami, and stated that they suspect the gunman held a grudge against "a particular religious group" and shot Mr. Abe, believing the former prime minister to be part of the organization. Police spokespeople have yet to comment on which organization was being referred to. Mr. Yamagami had no previous criminal, and previously served as a Leading Seaman in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) between 2002 and 2005. 

News outlets reported that Mr. Yamagami used a homemade firearm made of wood, metal, and duct tape to carry out the attack. After shooting, Mr. Yamagami made no attempts to flee as security personnel detained him. As of now, investigations are still ongoing, and it is unclear whether he acted alone. Other homemade firearms and explosives were later found in the suspect's home. Investigators also noted that Mr. Yamagami's search history included website about bomb making and weapons manufacturing. 

According to Japanese media, Mr. Yamagami was unemployed at the time of his arrest, quitting his previous job of a forklift operator in May 2022 citing "feeling unwell. Mr. Yamagami told police that he did not "hold a grudge against Abe's political beliefs, and that he planned the attack for several months. 

Mr. Abe was Japan's longest-serving Prime Minister, serving in the office for 4 terms before stepping down in 2020 due to a relapse of ulcerative colitis. Following the attack, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida condemned the attack, calling it "dastardly and barbaric" while other world leaders including United States President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro also denounced the attack and expressed their condolences. 

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