The chilling moment Shinzo Abe's killer stands behind him moments before he opened fire has been revealed as explosives are discovered in the killer's apartment, officials have reported.
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan’s longest-serving leader, died on Friday after being shot while campaigning for a parliamentary election.
Horrifying images and footage show the killer skulking behind Japan's longest-serving Prime Minister moments before he opens fire.
Japanese media has reported that "an explosive-like item has been seized from the shooter's residence", according to Japanese Police who raided the assailant's lair.
The attack happened around 11:30am local time and the politician was announced dead a few hours later.
Hidetada Fukushima, professor of emergency medicine at Nara Medical University Hospital, said that Mr Abe sustained two wounds on the front of his neck and one of the bullets penetrated his heart.
A team of more than 20 doctors tried to save his life, but nothing could be done to stem the bleed despite a full blood transfusion being given.
A fire department official said Mr Abe was in cardiac arrest when he was airlifted to the nearest hospital.
Yamagami Tetsuya, the 41-year-old suspect, told officers he was unhappy with Mr Abe and intended to kill him, NHK reported.
However, Kyodo News said the man had no grievance against Abe's political beliefs.
Dressed in a grey t-shirt and khaki cargo trousers, Mr Tetsuya was wrestled to the ground and apprehended by police officers moments after firing two shots at the former leader.
Images were taken moments before the shooting showing the assassin lurking in the crowd before he raised the double-barrelled weapon and opened fire.
Before Abe’s death was announced, current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said: “This attack is an act of brutality that happened during the elections — the very foundation of our democracy — and is absolutely unforgivable."
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss also said that she was “devastated” at the shooting.
The shooting has made headlines around the globe, causing shock in one of the world’s safest countries with some of the strictest gun control laws anywhere.
