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President Biden said on Friday that he was “surprised, resentful and deeply sad” when he heard about the deadly shooting of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
“This is a tragedy for Japan and everyone who knows him,” Biden said in a statement released by the White House.
“He was the champion of the alliance between our nations and the friendship between our people,” the president added.
Japan’s Shinzo Abe shot dead: World leader pays homage to former Prime Minister
Biden worked with the former Prime Minister for five years during his tenure as Vice President from 2009 to 2017.
Prime Minister Abe has been the longest-serving prime minister in Japan and has served as prime minister for eight consecutive years since 2012.
His term of office was from 2006 to 2007 due to complications associated with the chronic disease ulcerative colitis, as well as the Japanese election scene showing a relatively high turnover historically. Notable for the sudden termination of his first term in just one year.
Biden defended his dedication to promoting democracy not only in Japan but around the world.
“His vision of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific will continue,” the president said. “Above all, he cared deeply for the Japanese and devoted his life to their service. He was engaged in democratic work even at the moment of the attack.”
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The news of the death of the former Prime Minister sent a worldwide shock wave, as Japan was ranked as one of the safest countries in the world along with its famous strict gun law.
Gun violence in Japan was extremely rare for decades, following the 1958 law banning guns and swords.
Japanese civilians are required to join a hunting and shooting club and will be able to obtain firearms after completing a 13-step program that includes a detailed background and evaluation process.
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It is probable that the weapon used to fire Prime Minister Abe was a homemade firearm because it emitted a large amount of smoke after firing.
“There are many details we don’t know yet, but we know that violent attacks are never accepted and that gun violence always leaves a deep scar on the communities affected by it.” Biden said. “At this moment of sadness, the United States stands with Japan.”