Trump, who showed bromance with Abe, "My true friend, I pray for him"

Former U.S. President Donald Trump (left) and former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot with a shotgun during a campaign rally for the House of Councillors election on the 8th and was transported to the hospital in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest. Former U.S. President Donald Trump wished for Abe's safety.

Shortly after news of Abe's shooting was reported, former President Trump posted on his social networking service (SNS) Truth Social, describing Abe as "my true friend and, more importantly, a true friend of the United States." He added, "This is a tremendous shock to the wonderful Japanese people who loved and respected him," and said he was praying for Abe and his family.

The relationship between former President Trump and former Prime Minister Abe is special. The two shared a common interest in golf and played five rounds together during their terms, showing a 'bromance.' When Trump visited Japan in 2019, he played golf and watched sumo matches, demonstrating unprecedented 'Omotenashi' (heartfelt hospitality).

Earlier, around 11:30 a.m. on the same day, former Prime Minister Abe collapsed while bleeding during a street campaign in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, ahead of the House of Councillors election. NHK reported that two sounds resembling gunshots were heard, and Abe collapsed while bleeding from the chest area.

Police officials stated that Abe appeared to have been shot from behind with a shotgun. Abe was urgently transported to the hospital, and fire department officials explained that he was in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest. Initially, while being transported by ambulance, Abe was conscious and responded to calls, but later lost consciousness and entered cardiopulmonary arrest.

The police arrested a man at the scene and are investigating him on suspicion of attempted murder. The gun the man possessed was also confiscated. Japanese media, including Kyodo News, reported that the suspect who shot former Prime Minister Abe is a former Self-Defense Forces member.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.