Tetsuya Yamagami, A Former Member Of Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, Arrested For Attempted Murder Of Shinzo Abe

Update 1 at (11:27 AM IST)

The police in Nara have have arrested Tetsuya Yamagami, a 41-year local resident for attempted murder. A handmade gun has also been seized at the scene.

Japanese news agencies are reporting that the suspect is a former member of Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force. The motive for attack is yet to be ascertained.

The former PM continues to remain in hospital without vital signs.

Japan's Ex-PM Shinzo Abe Shot, In Critical Condition (09:26 AM IST)

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is fighting for his life after he was attacked with a shotgun while delivering a campaign speech in Nara.

An NHK reporter on the site heard something that sounded like a gunshot, and saw Abe bleeding. The Police seized the man who attacked Abe at around 11.30 am (Japanese time).

Abe has been rushed to the hospital following the attack. According to the Fire department, the former PM is showing no vital signs.

The attack on Abe has shocked the nation, considering that guns are prohibitively difficult to obtain in Japan and violence is exceedingly rare.

Abe was in Nara to campaign in support of the party's upper house candidates.