Former head of the Japanese government Shinzo Abe died at Nara University hospital following a shooting attack, NHK reported on Friday. Later, Nara Medical University hospital, where the ex-PM was being treated following the incident, confirmed his death.
The 67-year-old politician succumbed to the wounds after an attacker - allegedly a former navy sailor - shot him two times during a campaign event from a distance of about 10 meters. Police said Abe was conscious immediately after being wounded, but then, during transportation, his condition became critical "with cardiac and pulmonary arrest."
The attacker allegedly said he wanted to kill Abe since he was "dissatisfied" with the politician, but precise reasons behind the shooting remain unclear.
The assassination took place just two days ahead of upper house elections. The authorities did not comment on a possible rescheduling of the vote, however, several parties announced that their senior members would halt campaigning in the wake of the shooting.
The assault caused a major backlash across the globe, with leaders of different countries expressing their support for Abe and condemning the attack.