Kishida: Abe attack a challenge to democracy
![](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/kishida.jpg)
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks to reporters at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo on Friday.
15:22 JST, July 8, 2022
Following a gun attack against former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Nara on Friday, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said: “It was a cowardly act conducted during a campaign period for an election, which is a foundation of democracy. It is totally unacceptable. I condemn the brutal act in the strongest possible terms.”
Speaking at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo, Kishida told reporters that Abe is in a critical condition. “Emergency treatment is currently being carried out and I sincerely pray that former Prime Minister Abe will survive,” he said.
Kishida added that he intended to convene with all his ministers in Tokyo to determine the government’s response to the incident.
Regarding the security measures provided to Abe, Kishida said, “I believe [the security personnel] were doing their best, but we will review the situation.”
Upon hearing of the attack, Kishida, who was delivering a campaign speech in Yamagata Prefecture, immediately flew to Tokyo by helicopter and arrived at the Prime Minister’s Office at around 2:30 p.m. on the day.
"Politics" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Japan Ministry Concerned Over Same-Sex Couple Receiving City-Issued Resident Certificates Referring to ‘Common-Law Husband’
-
Japan Govt Predicts China’s Forces Could Land on Taiwan Within 1 Week of Enforcing Blockade; Drills Conducted in 2023 Analyzed
-
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike Wins Third Straight Term; Voters Respond to Achievements in Child Care, Education
-
Incumbent Tokyo Governor Leads as Election Day Approaches; 20% of Survey Respondents Still Undecided
-
Japan, U.S. to Compile Joint Document on Extended Deterrence; Foreign, Defense Ministers to Hold Talks
JN ACCESS RANKING