Moment Shinzo Abe's Assassin Opens Fire to Kill Japan's Former Prime Minister With Homemade Weapon

The person filming the speech then rushes to the ground in fear, but then manages to bring the cameras back into focus on the influential politician

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Shinzo Abe shot: Tragic shots are fired

This is the horrific moment former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot while delivering a speech in western Japan.

Disturbing footage shows the 67-year-old politician standing in the streets of Nara, western Japan, giving a speech before there are two terrifying shots as the gunman opens fire.

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The person filming the speech then rushes to the ground in fear, but eventually manages to bring the camera back to the influential politician.

The footage then shows the alleged gunman being attacked by three security guards, at approximately 11:30 a.m. local time / 3:30 a.m. BST.

The alleged shooter, who has been named Tetsuya Yamagami, 41, is tackled to the ground and a man wearing a black suit and face mask pins him to the ground.

Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe makes a street speech before being shot (

Picture:

The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Imag)

A second man then jumps on the alleged assassin and the couple arrest him.

It is understood that the suspect was brandishing a homemade weapon.

Mr. Abe then holds his chest as he collapses, his shirt visibly spattered with blood.