Former President Donald Trump, as have dozens of other world leaders, expressed shock, anger, and sadness on Friday following the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The former Japanese leader was shot and killed by a dissident on Thursday as he gave a speech on a street in western Japan.
Trump issued a statement on his social media platform Truth Social, in which he praised the late arch-conservative of Japanese politics.
“Really BAD NEWS FOR THE WORLD! Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is dead. He was assassinated. His killer was captured and will hopefully be dealt with swiftly and harshly. Few people know what a great man and leader Shinzo Abe was, but history will teach them and be kind. He was a unifier like no other, but above all, he was a man who loved and cherished his magnificent country, Japan. Shinzo Abe will be greatly missed. There will never be another like him!” he wrote.
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has died after he was shot by an assassin while speaking at an event.
Rest In Peace 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/JBdftKoE9j
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 8, 2022
“Saddened by the death of Former PM Shinzo Abe, a truly historic figure & leader of lasting consequence. Abe’s advice, wisdom & warmth had a profound impact on me during my government service. My heart is with his family & the Japanese people as the world mourns his passing,” former first daughter Ivanka Trump added in a post containing a photo of her standing alongside Abe.
Saddened by the death of Former PM Shinzo Abe, a truly historic figure & leader of lasting consequence. Abe’s advice, wisdom & warmth had a profound impact on me during my government service. My heart is with his family & the Japanese people as the world mourns his passing. pic.twitter.com/UAEAXHRIGY
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) July 8, 2022
Many World leaders and prominent figures took to social media to express shock and sadness over the killing of Abe, who was praised as a “towering global statesman” whose legacy is one of “global impact.”
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said: “He was working for peace and stability in Japan and the world. He was a dear friend who loved this country … To lose such a figure in this manner is absolutely devastating.”
U.S Secretary of State Tony Blinken added: “This is shocking. It’s profoundly disturbing … It’s also such a strong personal loss for so many people. In the United States, Prime Minister Abe was an extraordinary partner. And someone who clearly was a great leader for Japan.”
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg noted: “Deeply saddened by the heinous killing of Shinzo Abe, a defender of democracy and my friend & colleague over many years. My deepest condolences to his family, PM @kishida230 & the people of #NATO’s partner #Japan at this difficult time.”
Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa proffered: “Deeply saddened by the tragic death of former #Japan PM Shinzo Abe. Japan has lost a highly respected politician. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the LDP & the people of Japan.”
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Incredibly sad news about Shinzo Abe. His global leadership through unchartered times will be remembered by many. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and the Japanese people. The UK stands with you at this dark and sad time.”
Other world leaders also offered their condolences to the Japanese people, as well as their shock at what has happened.
French President Emmanuel Macron remarked: “On behalf of the French people, I send my condolences to the Japanese authorities and people after the assassination of Shinzo Abe. Japan is losing a great Prime Minister, who dedicated his life to his country and worked to bring balance to the world.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted: “Horrible news of a brutal assassination of former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe. I am extending my deepest condolences to his family and the people of Japan at this difficult time. This heinous act of violence has no excuse.”
