Shinzo Abe, Japan’s Longest-serving PM, Assassinated

World Leaders Express Shock, Sadness

World leaders expressed shock and sadness after former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot and killed.

US President Joe Biden offered condolences to Abe’s family. “This is a tragedy for Japan and for all who knew him,” he said in a statement.

Biden spoke about his personal connection with Abe.

“I had the privilege to work closely with Prime Minister Abe. As vice president, I visited him in Tokyo and welcomed him to Washington. He was a champion of the alliance between our nations and the friendship between our people,” Biden said.

“The longest-serving Japanese prime minister, his vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific will endure.

“Above all, he cared deeply about the Japanese people and dedicated his life to their service. Even at the moment, he was attacked, he was engaged in the work of democracy.”

Biden said he had ordered the US flag to be flown at half-staff to honor Abe.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken released a statement saying, “Prime Minister Abe was a global leader and unwavering ally and friend of the United States, whose vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific lifted our alliance cooperation to new heights.”

Former US President Barack Obama said in a statement, “Abe was devoted to both the country he served and the extraordinary alliance between the United States and Japan. 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.”

Current Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida condemned the “unforgivable act,” saying, “The free and fair election, which is the root of democracy, needs to be protected no matter what. We will not be defeated by violence.”

A spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also issued a statement Friday.

“The secretary-general recalls Shinzo Abe’s commitment to promoting peace and security, championing the Sustainable Development Goals, and advocating for universal health coverage,” said Farhan Haq.

“As the longest-serving prime minister, he was dedicated to reviving his country’s economy and serving the people of Japan.”

In Britain, Queen Elizabeth also tweeted her condolences.