Former US President Barack Obama has expressed shock over the death of Former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe.
Obama, who worked closely with Abe when they were both leaders of their respective countries, said: “I am shocked and saddened by the assassination of my friend and long-time partner Shinzo Abe in Japan.
“Former prime minister Abe was devoted to both the country he served and the extraordinary alliance between the United States and Japan.
“I will always remember the work we did to strengthen our alliance, the moving experience of traveling to Hiroshima and Pearl Harbor together, and the grace he and his wife Akie Abe showed to me and Michelle.
“Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to the people of Japan who are very much in our thoughts at this painful moment.”
Gun violence always leaves a deep scar
US President Joe Biden has said he is “stunned, outraged and deeply saddened”.
Biden, like President Barack Obama, worked closely with the former Japanese prime minister when he was US vice-president.
He said: “He was a champion of the alliance between our nations and the friendship between our people.
“The longest serving Japanese prime minister, his vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific will endure.
“Above all, he cared deeply about the Japanese people and dedicated his life to their service.
“Even at the moment he was attacked, he was engaged in the work of democracy.
“While there are many details that we do not yet know, we know that violent attacks are never acceptable and that gun violence always leaves a deep scar on the communities that are affected by it.
“The United States stands with Japan in this moment of grief. I send my deepest condolences to his family.”
Former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe shot
Former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe has collapsed after he was shot at an event in the city of Nara.
Mr Abe was shot at twice while he was giving a speech, causing him to fall to the ground. His attacker has been arrested.
Ex-Tokyo governor Yoichi Masuzoe said in a tweet that the 67-year-old Mr Abe was in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest.
The term is often used before a death is officially confirmed in Japan.
