Former Japanese leader Shinzo Abe shot, hospitalized in grave condition, Japanese media reports

published 8 July 2022

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was rushed to the hospital after being shot on Friday, public broadcaster NHK reports. Abe collapsed during a campaign speech at about 11:30 a.m. in the western city of Nara, and an NHK reporter heard two gunshots. Both NHK and Kyodo News, citing police sources, said Abe was shot from behind with a shotgun, and Kyodo News reports that the former prime minister is not conscious and appears to be in cardiac arrest. A suspect is reportedly in custody.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.