Doctors fighting to save Abe: Japanese PM

Former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe collapsed after being shot while delivering a speech in the western Japanese city of Nara on Friday, July 8.

He was rushed to hospital where he was reported to be in 'cardiopulmonary arrest'. The Japan Times reported 'Abe was transported via a medical helicopter to Nara Medical University in the city of Kashihara, south of central Nara.

In a news conference, CNN reported, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Abe is in critical condition, and undergoing emergency treatment by doctors fighting to save his life.'

'Abe was giving a speech in front of the Yamato Saidaiji Station when he was attacked at around 11:30 am,' The Japan Times reported. 'High school students who witnessed the shooting told NHK that a man came up from behind and fired two shots.'

'"The first shot sounded like a toy bazooka, and the man then stepped back after the first one," a student said. After the attacker fired the second shot, a large amount of white smoke appeared, she added,' The Japan Times added.

'The man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and the gun was confiscated, according to the broadcaster. NHK identified the man as Tetsuya Yamagami, a 41-year-old resident of the city of Nara.'The Japan Times added.

Abe was conscious and responsive while being transported to the hospital after the possible shooting, Japan's public broadcaster NHK, said citing police sources.

Abe was campaigning on a street for a Liberal Democratic Party candidate at the house of councillors election, scheduled this Sunday when he collapsed at around 11.30 am local time after people on the scene heard what sounded like a gun going off twice, local media reported.

Abe, Japan's longest-serving prime minister had stepped down in 2020 citing health reasons.

He was prime minister of Japan twice, from 2006-2007 and again from 2012-2020. He was succeeded by Yoshihide Suga and later by Fumio Kishida.