'Truly Heartbreaking': World 'Shocked' After Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe's Assassination

The former Japanese prime minister died on Friday as a result of an assassination in Nara during his campaign for a fellow LDP member.

The assassination of Shinzo Abe has shocked the world, prompting social media to respond with a wave of condolences and condemnation of the attack on Japan's former prime minister.

Among those sharing their grief online are many world leaders and prominent politicians. The leaders of Russia, the UK, India, Israel, Pakistan, as well as many other countries, have already weighed in on the tragedy.

The Kremlin said it was "deeply saddened" by Abe's death, saying that he was a "patriot" and had good relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Dear Mrs. Yoko Abe, dear Mrs. Akie Abe, please accept our deep condolences on the death of your son and husband Shinzo Abe," reads the telegram from President Putin to the wife and mother of Abe. " I wish you and your family strength and courage in the face of this heavy, irreparable loss."

Boris Johnson, who has recently resigned as the UK prime minister, offered his condolences as well.

"His global leadership through unchartered times will be remembered by many. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the Japanese people," Johnson tweeted. "The UK stands with you at this dark and sad time."

Former UK PM Theresa May also quickly reacted to the incident, saying that the news were "truly heartbreaking" and described Abe as a "statesman of the highest caliber" who was also a "dependable partner and trusted ally".

French President Emmanuel Macron, for his part, said that "Japan has lost a great prime minister" who "dedicated his life to his country and worked for stability in the world."

Among those mourning Abe's death was European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen.

"This brutal and cowardly murder of [Shinzo Abe] shocks the whole world," she tweeted. "A wonderful person, great democrat and champion of the multilateral world order has passed away. I mourn with his family, his friends and all the people of Japan."

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi joined her, saying that his country was "shocked by the terrible attack that hits Japan and its free democratic debate."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also reacted to the assassination.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend Abe, the former prime minister of Japan, in an armed attack. I condemn those who carried out this heinous attack," he said.

Indian PM Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, marking Abe's "immense contribution to elevating India-Japan relations to the level of a Special Strategic and Global Partnership," and announcing that India will have a national day of mourning on July 9 to honor the memory of the former Japanese prime minister.

"Abe was one of the most important leaders of modern Japan, and a true friend of Israel who brought about flourishing and prosperous relations between Israel and Japan," said acting Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid.

Naftali Bennet also reacted to Abe's assassination, saying he is "shocked and saddened", and praising the deceased former PM as "a strong, steady leader and a friend to Israel."

US President Joe Biden was among the last to react, saying he was "stunned" and assuring that Washington stands with Japan in its moment of grief. His statement arrived hours after the US Embassy in Japan commented on the shooting, when the former PM's death had not been confirmed.

Abe died on Friday after being shot in the Japanese city of Nara during a campaign for a fellow LDP member. He was attacked by someone believed to be a former Navy sailor who was "dissatisfied" with the politician. There have been no immediate details about the attacker's reasons.