U.S. President Joe Biden signs a book of condolence in memory of Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was fatally shot while campaigning for a parliamentary election, as Japan's Ambassador to the U.S. Tomita Koji stands by during Biden's visit to the ambassador's residence in Washington, U.S., July 8, 2022. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
President Joe Biden expressed outrage at the fatal shooting of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday, calling him a champion of the U.S.-Japan alliance who cared deeply about the Japanese people and democracy.
"I am stunned, outraged, and deeply saddened by the news that my friend Abe Shinzo, former Prime Minister of Japan, was shot and killed while campaigning. This is a tragedy for Japan and for all who knew him," Biden said in a statement.
"Even at the moment he was attacked, he was engaged in the work of democracy."
U.S. President Joe Biden is embraced by Japan's Ambassador to the U.S. Tomita Koji before signing a book of condolence in memory of Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was fatally shot while campaigning for a parliamentary election, during a visit to the ambassadors residence in Washington, U.S., July 8, 2022. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
(Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
FILE PHOTO: Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attends the construction completion ceremony of the New National Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. Tomohiro Ohsumi/Pool via REUTERS
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