Japan’s Shinzo Abe shot and killed: World leaders pay tribute to former prime minister

The fatal shooting of Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe shocked world leaders Friday and swiftly drew comments full of condemnation and sorrow from officials globally.

President Joe Biden released a statement that he was “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,” he said, championing his work in promoting democracy not only in Japan but around the world. 

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

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Secretary of State Antony Blinken also called the news “shocking” and “profoundly disturbing.” 

Other world leaders from the Group of 7, like French President Emmanuel Macron, took to Twitter to say he was “Deeply shocked by the heinous attack that Shinzo Abe suffered.” 

“Japan is losing a great Prime Minister, who dedicated his life to his country and worked to bring balance to the world,” he added. 

UK Prime Minster Boris Johnson said he was “Utterly appalled and saddened” by the news of Abe’s shooting. Adding just hours later that it was “Incredibly sad news” upon learning he had succumbed to his injuries.

“His global leadership through unchartered times will be remembered by many,” he added.

Theresa May, who served as Prime Minister of the U.K. during Abe’s final years in Japan’s top job before stepping down due to his chronic ulcerative colitis, called him a “statesman of the highest caliber.”

“A dependable partner and trusted ally. A consummate host. But also the warmest and kindest of friends,” she added.

Donald Trump, who also served out his presidency during Abe’s tenure, called him a “unifier like no other.”

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“Few people know what a great man and leader Shinzo Abe was, but history will teach them and be kind,” Trump said in a statement posted to his social media platform Truth Social. “Above all, he was a man who loved and cherished his magnificent country, Japan. Shinzo Abe will be greatly missed.”

Trump’s predecessor, Barack Obama, also shared his “deepest condolences” at hearing the news Friday morning and reflected on the work they did together. 

“I am shocked and saddened by the assassination of my friend and longtime partner Shinzo Abe,” he said on Twitter. “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.”

German Chancellor Olaf Schultz said he was “shocked and deeply saddened”.

“We stand closely by Japan’s side even in these difficult hours,” he tweeted.

Regional leaders from Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore and China all expressed regret over the news. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-Wen said in a statement that “Taiwan has also lost an important and close friend.”

Even world leaders who shared no historically deep diplomatic ties with Japan immediately condemned the attack, as Iran’s Foreign Ministry called it “an act of terrorism.”

“As a country that has been a victim of terrorism and has lost great leaders to terrorists, we are following the news closely and with concern,” Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.

The assassination of Abe has proved particularly shocking as Japan is ranked among one of the safest countries in the world to live.

Gun violence in Japan has remained extremely rare for years after a 1958 law essentially banned nearly all gun and sword ownership.

Japan does allow citizens to own a firearm after they complete a 13-step program, which involves joining a hunting or shooting club and an extensive background and evaluation process. 

The weapon used during Friday’s shooting is suspected of being handmade. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.