World leaders horrified by Abe killing, Japanese leader remembered as a 'giant on the world stage'
CBC
The assassination of Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in one of the world's safest countries stunned leaders and drew condemnation from around the globe in the strongest terms.
Abe, 67, was shot from behind in Nara in western Japan while giving a campaign speech. He was airlifted to a hospital but was not breathing and his heart had stopped. He was pronounced dead later at the hospital.
Abe was Japan's longest-serving leader, having served four terms in office before stepping down in 2020 for health reasons.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who hastily returned to Tokyo from campaign events around the country, called the shooting "dastardly and barbaric."
WATCH l Former ambassador says Abe was a natural leader, knowledgeable about Canada:
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Abe a "dedicated, visionary leader" and said he was "incredibly shocked and deeply saddened" to learn of the assassination.
"Canada condemns in the strongest terms this egregious attack and stands with the people of Japan in this difficult time," he said in a statement.
"I knew Shinzo for many years. He was a thoughtful, compassionate, strong leader who understood the importance of service, understood the importance of building a better world," Trudeau said as he spoke in Ottawa.
On Twitter, Trudeau said: "Canada has lost a close friend. My thoughts are with his wife, Akie, and the people of Japan as they mourn this loss."
Former prime minister Stephen Harper also expressed his condolences to Abe's wife and family.
"As Japan's longest-serving PM, he championed democracy, freedom, and a strong Japan among the world's democracies. His legacy will long endure," Harper tweeted.
Statement from Canada's Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly:
U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement that the "United States stands with Japan in this moment of grief."
"Above all, he cared deeply about the Japanese people and dedicated his life to their service," said Biden. "Even at the moment he was attacked, he was engaged in the work of democracy."
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