(BBC): Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe has died in hospital after he was shot at a political campaign event, say local media.
Abe was shot at twice while he was giving a speech in the southern city of Nara on Friday morning.
He immediately collapsed and was rushed to the nearest hospital. Pictures taken at the scene showed him bleeding.
Security officials at the scene tackled the gunman, and the 41-year-old suspect is now in police custody.
In an emotional press conference earlier, prime minister Fumio Kishida told reporters that Abe was in a “very grave condition”.
“Currently doctors are doing everything they can,” said Kishida who appeared to be holding back tears, adding that he was “praying from his heart” that Abe would survive.
He also condemned the attack, saying: “It is barbaric and malicious and it cannot be tolerated.”
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency confirmed that Abe had a bullet wound on the right of his neck, and also suffered subcutaneous bleeding under the left part of his chest.
It is unclear if both shots hit him, or if a bullet hit him on the neck and travelled elsewhere.
National broadcaster NHK said Abe was “conscious and responsive” while he was transported to the hospital, citing police sources.
But it also quoted a senior member of Mr Abe’s party as saying the 67-year-old’s situation was “worrisome”. Abe’s younger brother told reporters that the former PM was receiving a blood transfusion.
Ex-Tokyo governor Yoichi Masuzoe had earlier said in a tweet that Abe was in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest. The term is often used before a death is officially confirmed in Japan.