Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Dies After Being Shot

Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe -- one of the most consequential leaders in Japan's postwar history -- died Friday, Japanese media reported, after being shot while he was giving a stump speech in the city of Nara. From a report: Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had earlier described Abe as being in a "serious condition." Abe was unconscious when he was rushed to a hospital and was bleeding from the chest. The police have arrested the man suspected of attacking Abe, who was giving a speech in front of Yamato Saidaiji Station when the incident took place at around 11:30 a.m. Campaigning had been underway for Sunday's Upper House election. Videos of the incident showed two shots being fired. Japan is known for having one of the strictest gun control laws in the world. Abe suffered an injury to the right side of his neck due to a gunshot and was bleeding internally in the left side of his chest, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. The former prime minister was transported via a medical helicopter to Nara Medical University in the city of Kashihara, south of central Nara, according to NHK, who quoted ambulance officials.

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