Shinzo Abe shooting: World leaders react to assassination of former Japanese PM

TOKYO — Shinzo Abe, the former Japanese prime minister, died Friday after he was shot and critically wounded during a campaign speech in western Japan, according to public broadcaster NHK. Hospital officials also confirmed his death, The Associated Press reported.

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Several world leaders are reacting to the shooting. Here’s what they had to say:

Shinzo Abe shooting: Former Japanese prime minister assassinated while giving speech

President Joe Biden

President Joe Biden released a statement Friday morning saying, “I am stunned, outraged, and deeply saddened by the news that my friend Abe Shinzo, former Prime Minister of Japan, was shot and killed while campaigning. This is a tragedy for Japan and for all who knew him,” Reuters reported.

“Even at the moment he was attacked, he was engaged in the work of democracy.”

White House spokesperson

“We are shocked and saddened to hear about the violent attack against former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe,” a White House spokesperson said, according to Reuters. “We are closely monitoring the reports and keeping our thoughts with his family and the people of Japan.”

Former U.S. President Donald Trump

“This is a tremendous blow to the wonderful people of Japan, who loved and admired him so much,” former U.S. President Donald Trump said in a post on his social media app, according to the AP. “We are all praying for Shinzo and his beautiful family!”

Trump also called Abe “a true friend of mine and, much more importantly, America,” as well as “a truly great man and leader,” the AP reported.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama

Former President Barack Obama said he was “shocked and saddened” by Abe’s assassination, calling the former prime minister a “friend and longtime partner.”

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.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 8, 2022

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken

Blinken calls the assassination of Abe "shocking," and says he shared his condolences with his Japanese counterpart in Indonesia
— John Hudson (@John_Hudson) July 8, 2022

Blinken said Abe brought the relationship between the US and Japan “to new heights” during his time in office.
“He was a leader with great vision” and also “the incredible ability to work toward that vision.”
— John Hudson (@John_Hudson) July 8, 2022

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida described Abe as “a personal friend, with whom I spent a lot of time,” according to CNN. Kishida also offered condolences and said he has “great respect for the legacy (Abe) left behind,” the news outlet reported.

French President Emmanuel Macron

“Japan has lost a great prime minister, who dedicated his life to his country and worked to ensure order in the world,” French President Emmanuel Macron said, according to Reuters.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Incredibly sad news about Shinzo Abe.

His global leadership through unchartered times will be remembered by many. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the Japanese people.

The UK stands with you at this dark and sad time.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) July 8, 2022

Former British Prime Minister Theresa May

He was a statesman of the highest calibre. A dependable partner and trusted ally. A consummate host. But also the warmest and kindest of friends.

My prayers and deepest sympathies are with his family and the people of Japan. pic.twitter.com/c8HpXlUMv3
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) July 8, 2022

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Horrible news of a brutal assassination of former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe. I am extending my deepest condolences to his family and the people of Japan at this difficult time. This heinous act of violence has no excuse.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 8, 2022

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg

Deeply saddened by the heinous killing of Shinzo Abe, a defender of democracy and my friend & colleague over many years. My deepest condolences to his family, PM @kishida230 & the people
of #NATO’s partner #Japan at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/8rtdb0G11S
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) July 8, 2022

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

A wonderful person, great democrat and champion of the multilateral world order has passed away.

I mourn with his family, his friends and all the people of Japan.

This brutal and cowardly murder of @AbeShinzo shocks the whole world. pic.twitter.com/ztSJnlDsi6
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) July 8, 2022

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

Shocked and saddened by the tragic death of former Japanese PM Abe Shinzo. He was a great friend and ally to Australia. Deepest sympathies to his family and the people of Japan. We mourn with you. pic.twitter.com/ms9Va9OPN4
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) July 8, 2022

Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott

This is a shocking act of violence against one of the world's leading democratic statesmen and we all have to hope and pray that he somehow pulls through.

Australia has never had a better friend in Japan than Shinzo Abe, which is why we are so numbed by this appalling act.
— Tony Abbott (@HonTonyAbbott) July 8, 2022

Chinese Embassy in Japan

“Former Prime Minister Abe made contributions towards improving China-Japan relations during his term,” said a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Japan, according to Reuters. “We express our condolences on his death and send our sympathies to his family.”

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi

“Italy is shocked by this terrible attack, which hits Japan and free democratic debate,” Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said, according to Reuters. “Abe was a great protagonist of Japanese and international political life in recent decades, thanks to his innovative spirit and his reforming vision. Italy sends its condolences to his family, to the government and to the entire Japanese people.”

South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol

“I send my condolences to the bereaved families and Japanese people who have lost the longest-serving prime minister and respected politician in Japan’s constitutional history,” South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol said in a statement, according to Reuters.

Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson

Deeply shocked and saddened by the horrendous attack against @AbeShinzo. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and the Government and people of Japan. Sweden stands in sympathy and solidarity with Japan, our close friend and partner, at this difficult time.
— SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) July 8, 2022

Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte

Former Japanese PM Abe has died, following a cowardly attack. At today’s cabinet meeting we paused to reflect on this dark day for Japanese democracy. I have fond memories of our friendship and the work we did together. My thoughts are with his loved ones and the people of Japan.
— Mark Rutte (@MinPres) July 8, 2022

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen

“Not only has the international community lost an important leader, but Taiwan has also lost an important and close friend,” Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said in a statement, according to Reuters. “Taiwan and Japan are both democratic countries with the rule of law, and our government severely condemns violent and illegal acts.”

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern

So deeply shocked to hear about the past PM of Japan-Shinzo Abe. He was one of the first leaders I met when I became PM. He was deeply committed to his role but also generous & kind. My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Japan. Events like this shake us all to the core.
— Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) July 8, 2022

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

I am shocked and saddened beyond words at the tragic demise of one of my dearest friends, Shinzo Abe. He was a towering global statesman, an outstanding leader, and a remarkable administrator. He dedicated his life to make Japan and the world a better place.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2022

Irish Foreign and Defense Minister Simon Coveney

Such shocking and sad news that former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe has died following an attack.
Our thoughts are with all Japanese people at this very sad time.
He was a significant and popular global political figure. Rest in Peace 🇯🇵🇮🇪 ⁦@dfatirl⁩ pic.twitter.com/8rJR1Co4gc
— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) July 8, 2022

– The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Photos: Shinzo Abe through the years Shinzo Abe, the former prime minister of Japan, has died after he was shot during a campaign speech on Friday, July 8, 2022, Japanese public broadcaster NHK is reporting. Here are some memorable moments from his career. (Franck Robichon - Pool/Getty Images)

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Photos: Shinzo Abe, former Japanese prime minister, shot during campaign speech People react after gunfire erupted in Nara, western Japan, Friday, July 8, 2022. Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was in heart failure after apparently being shot during a campaign speech Friday in western Japan, NHK public television said Friday. (Kyodo News via AP)