Shinzo Abe, Japanβs former prime minister, was assassinated Friday while giving a speech in Nara Prefecture.
Reports out of the country said a suspect was taken into custody. NHK, citing unnamed sources close to Abe, said he was shot in the chest and was taken to hospital.
Video emerged online of the shooting.
President Joe Biden said in a statement that βthis is a tragedy for Japan and for all who knew him ... He was a champion of the Alliance between our nations and the friendship between our people.β
"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," he said.