Trudeau ‘incredibly shocked and deeply saddened’ by assassination of Shinzo Abe

Hours later, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a statement on the matter, expressing his sorrow.

"I was incredibly shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the assassination of former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe," Trudeau began. "Canada condemns, in the strongest terms, this egregious attack and stands with the people of Japan in this difficult time."

Trudeau went on to highlight Canada's strong relationship with Japan, adding that it had been "expanded and deepened under Mr. Abe’s tenure."

"He was a dedicated, visionary leader and a close friend of Canada," Trudeau said. "We remain committed to the shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region that Prime Minister Abe and I agreed to pursue during his visit to Ottawa in April 2019."

Trudeau noted that Canada and Japan "share a strong, unwavering commitment to our democratic values, including free and fair elections without violence or intimidation," and said it was "disturbing" that the assassination took place during an election period.

"On behalf of all Canadians," Trudeau concluded, "I extend my deepest condolences to former Prime Minister Abe’s family and friends, and to the Japanese people, as they mourn this tremendous loss. You'll be missed, my friend."

Japan's public broadcaster NHK reported that Abe had been shot from behind with a shotgun and was seen bleeding from the chest.

He was taken to hospital in a state of cardio and pulmonary arrest with major damage to his heart and neck.

Later in the day, he was pronounced dead.

Abe, 67, was the longest-serving prime minister in Japan's history, in office for two non-consecutive terms from 2006 until 2007 and again from 2012 until 2020.