A shooting in Nara, Japan on Friday has left former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in critical condition and the nation reeling.

An aerial photo shows a medical helicopter carrying former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

Here’s what we know so far:

What appears to be a handmade gun lays on the ground
Security officer arresting the suspect
  • The shooting: Abe was shot at about 11:30 a.m. local time in Nara, east of Osaka, as he gave an election campaign speech on the street. Two shots can be heard in video of the incident, aired by public broadcaster NHK. Abe suffered a gunshot wound to the right side of his neck, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in Tokyo. He was taken to the hospital first by ambulance, then by medical helicopter.
  • The suspect: Police have arrested Tetsuya Yamagami, a Nara resident in his 40s, in relation to the shooting, according to NHK, citing police sources. NHK reported that the man did not try to run away, and is being held for questioning at Nara Nishi police station. He appears to have used a handmade gun, NHK reported. Video footage of the incident shows police officers wrestling the suspect to the ground close to where Abe had been standing, moments after the shots were heard.
  • Abe’s condition: The former leader is now in critical condition, undergoing emergency treatment by doctors fighting to save his life, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told a news conference on Friday afternoon. Abe was in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest after collapsing, according to an official from the Nara City Fire Department. He was conscious and responsive while being taken to hospital, according to NHK, citing police.
  • Tokyo’s response: At the news conference, an emotional Kishida denounced the apparent attack as “not a forgivable act,” saying the government was working to assess the situation and “take appropriate measures.”
  • International outcry: Messages from world leaders, past and present, have flooded in, expressing condemnation for the shooting and their well wishes for Abe. The US Secretary of State, Australian Prime Minister, several former Australian Prime Ministers, Indian Prime Minister, British Prime Minister and Taiwanese President are among those who have sent well wishes to Abe.
  • Source – CNN