Pm Kishida Condemns 'despicable, Barbaric' Attack On Abe
Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has condemned the attack on former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo "in the strongest possible terms."
Kishida spoke to reporters at the prime minister's office on Friday, about 4 hours after the shooting. He had flown back from the northeastern prefecture of Yamagata, where he was campaigning ahead of Sunday's Upper House election.
Kishida said Abe is in serious condition after being shot while stumping in Nara Prefecture. He added that urgent lifesaving efforts are underway, and that he is praying from the bottom of his heart that Abe will survive.
Kishida said, "The despicable, barbaric act took place when the country is staging an election -- the foundation of democracy -- and is totally unacceptable."
Asked about the incident's possible political impact, Kishida said he does not think it appropriate to consider such matters while urgent attempts are being made to save Abe's life.
He also said all Cabinet ministers will be asked to return to Tokyo to share and confirm the facts and the government's response.
Kishida said nothing has been decided on election-related schedules, and that he will respond appropriately after fully grasping the situation.
He added that he believes it is extremely important to find out the background of the incident, since not much is known about the suspect or other details.