Who was Shinzo Abe and what was his cause of death?
SHINZO Abe is a Japanese politician who served multiple terms as Prime Minister.
Abe was killed on July 8, 2022, after being shot from behind, during a speech.
Who is Shinzo Abe?
Abe was born on September 21, 1954 in Tokyo.
He comes from a political family, with his grandfather and great-uncle both having served as Prime Minister.
His father was also a politician and served as Japan’s foreign minister.
The 67-year-old was Japan's Prime Minister from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020.
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Abe is the longest-serving Prime Minister in Japan's history.
He stepped down in 2020, citing health reasons involving a relapse of a bowel disease.
Abe told reporters at the time: “I don’t want to make mistakes in important political decisions.
“I decided I shouldn’t continue sitting in this seat as long as I cannot respond to the mandate of the people with confidence.”
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Abe married Akie Abe in June 1987.
The couple do not have any children.
What happened at the campaign event in Nara?
Abe was making a speech at a campaign event in Nara at about 11.30am local time on Friday, July 8, 2022, when he was allegedly shot from behind.
Two gunshots were reportedly fired, producing white clouds of smoke.
One shot reportedly hit him in the neck.
Abe collapsed after the second shot was fired, according to reports.
He was rushed to the hospital following the incident but local Japanese outlets report that Abe is not showing any vital signs.
Abe died from his wounds a short time later, according to NHK.
A suspect - named as Yamagami Tetsuya, 41 - was quickly apprehended by police.
The campaign event was in preparation for the July 10, 2022, upper house election.
Who is the current Japanese Prime Minister?
Fumio Kishida became Prime Minster of Japan in 2021.
He succeeded Yoshihide Suga, who served for one year.
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Kishisa previously served as Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2012 to 2017, and then as acting Minister of Defense in 2017.
He has a wife and three sons.