US ambassador to Japan 'saddened and shocked' by Abe shooting

Abe-san has been an outstanding leader of Japan and unwavering ally of the United States: Rahm Emanuel

Japan's former PM Shinzo Abe. Credit: Reuters Photo

The US ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, said Friday he was "saddened and shocked" by the shooting of former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe at a campaign event.

"We are all saddened and shocked by the shooting of former prime minister Abe Shinzo. Abe-san has been an outstanding leader of Japan and unwavering ally of the United States. The US Government and American people are praying for the well-being of Abe-san, his family, and people of Japan," Emanuel said in a statement.