President Donald Trump has responded to the shocking news that Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated this morning.
As Slay News was first to report, Abe was pronounced dead in the early hours of Friday morning after being fatally shot while giving a speech.
At around 11:30 am local time today, Abe was shot was giving a speech near Yamato-Saidaiji Station in Nara City.
He collapsed and was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
The ex-PM was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Abe was killed while campaigning just days before the national election.
Third video shows the shooting of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the gunman being taken into custody
NOTE: Video not graphic, but viewer discretion is advised https://t.co/xsskEZzBMQ
— BNO News (@BNONews) July 8, 2022
President Trump issued a statement via his Truth Social platform about the tragic death of his friend.
Aside from reaching a historic trade agreement together during President Trump’s time in office, the two leaders spent time with each other socially.
Abe and Trump even golfed together at the Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida.
Trump said in a post on Truth Social:
Absolutely devastating news that former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, a truly great man and leader, has been shot, and is in very serious condition.
He was a true friend of mine and, much more importantly, America.
This is a tremendous blow to the wonderful people of Japan, who loved and admired him so much.
We are all praying for Shinzo and his beautiful family!
Really BAD NEWS FOR THE WORLD!
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is dead.
He was assassinated.
His killer was captured and will hopefully be dealt with swiftly and harshly.
Few people know what a great man and leader Shinzo Abe was, but history will teach them and be kind.
He was a unifier like no other, but above all, he was a man who loved and cherished his magnificent country, Japan.
Shinzo Abe will be greatly missed.
There will never be another like him!
President Donald J. Trump
