TOKYO, July 8 — Former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe collapsed and showed no signs of life after being shot on Friday during a speech in the western city of Nara, Xinhua reported, quoting a local media report.
A gunshot was heard at the site and Abe was seen bleeding after he was shot from behind by an unidentified man with a gun, according to the police.
Abe, 67, was rushed to a nearby hospital and showed no vital signs, according to local police.
The police also said they detained the man and were questioning him.
The assailant was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder by the Nara police at the scene, according to local media.
The incident happened as the former leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party was on a tour to Nara as part of campaigning for the House of Councillors election scheduled to be held on Sunday.
