Published: Less than 40 minutes ago
Updated: Less than 20 minutes ago
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been fired during a campaign rally and his condition is critical.
The news is received with dismay worldwide.
Thoughts, prayers and worries are pouring in from almost every part of the world, on social media and to reporters, from Russian, French, British ambassadors.
The US ambassador to Japan writes on Twitter that he is appalled and shocked by the news that Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been shot.
“Abe-san was an outstanding leader for Japan and an unwavering ally of the United States. The US government and the American people are praying for the health of Abe-san, his family and Japan, “Ambassador Rahm Emanuel wrote on Twitter.
Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull wrote on Twitter that Abe was one of the great leaders of our time. “Horrified by this terrible news from Japan. Shinzo Abe is one of the great leaders of our time. Right now we can hope and pray that he manages. “
Kazuo Shii, leader of Japan’s Communist Party, wrote on Twitter that the attack was “a barbaric attempt to kill freedom of expression.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters at the G20 summit that the United States is “deeply saddened and deeply concerned”.
Shinzo Abe’s condition is critical, according to the latest reports.