The killing is set to send shockwaves across Japan & around the world.
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has died after shot at a rally in the city of Nara earlier today.
Abe was campaigning for a candidates running in Japan's upper house election this Sunday, according to local media.
Video published by NHK shows the moment a man comes up behind the ex-PM while he was speaking, firing two shots.
Mr Abe reportedly suffered injuries on the right side of his neck & his chest, with the suspected gunman apprehended.
The weapon used appears to be a makeshift shotgun, covered with black duct tape.
Local media initially reported he had been arrested for attempted murder, but that is now set to be upgraded to murder.
It's been reported the man, in his 40s, was a former member of the Japan Self-Defense Forces.
Already, reaction is continuing to flood in both online & from world leaders.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was "shocked and saddened by the tragic death of former Japanese PM Abe Shinzo."
"He was a great friend and ally to Australia. Deepest sympathies to his family and the people of Japan. We mourn with you."
Earlier in the day, former PM Malcolm Turnbull also commented on the shooting.
Reaction is also continuing on social media, with the news of the shooting trending on Twitter since around 12pm AEST.
On TikTok, videos known as 'Little Dark Age edits' - using the MGMT song - have also been made about the shooting.
Shinzo Abe served as Prime Minister of Japan from 2006 until 2007, and again from 2012 until 2020, for the Liberal Democratic Party.
He was 67.
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