By Mark Gray
7:04am PDT, Jul 12, 2022
_
On July 12, 2022, large crowds gathered outside Zojoji temple in Tokyo to pay their respects to Shinzo Abe, the longest serving prime minister in Japan's history, who was assassinated while giving a campaign speech on July 8. He was 67. News of his murder, which was caught on video, reverberated throughout the world, and top government officials, political figures and royals reacted with horror and sadness. Former U.S. President Barack Obama shared in a statement, "I am shocked and saddened by the assassination of my friend and longtime partner Shinzo Abe in Japan. Former Prime Minister Abe was devoted to both the country he served and the extraordinary alliance between the United States and Japan. I will always remember the work we did to strengthen our alliance, the moving experience of traveling to Hiroshima and Pearl Harbor together, and the grace he and his wife Akie Abe showed to me and Michelle. Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to the people of Japan who are very much in our thoughts at this painful moment."
Keep reading to see how more political figures and royals reacted to the assassination news…
RELATED: Stars we lost in 2022
_
"Really BAD NEWS FOR THE WORLD! Former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo is dead. He was assassinated. His killer was captured and will hopefully be dealt with swiftly and harshly. Few people know what a great man and leader Shinzo Abe was, but history will teach them and be kind. He was a unifier like no other, but above all, he was a man who loved and cherished his magnificent country, Japan. Shinzo Abe will be greatly missed. There will never be another like him!" –Donald Trump
_
"My family and I were deeply saddened to hear the news of the sudden and tragic death of former Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe. I have fond memories of meeting Mr. Abe and his wife during their visit to the United Kingdom in 2016. His love for Japan, and his desire to forge ever-closer bonds with the United Kingdom, were clear. I wish to convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and to the people of Japan at this difficult time." –Queen Elizabeth II
_
Ivanka Trump tweeted, "Saddened by the death of Former PM Shinzo Abe, a truly historic figure & leader of lasting consequence. Abe's advice, wisdom & warmth had a profound impact on me during my government service. My heart is with his family & the Japanese people as the world mourns his passing."
_
"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. I had the privilege to work closely with Prime Minister Abe. As Vice President, I visited him in Tokyo and welcomed him to Washington. He was a champion of the Alliance between our nations and the friendship between our people. The longest serving Japanese Prime Minister, his vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific will endure. Above all, he cared deeply about the Japanese people and dedicated his life to their service. Even at the moment he was attacked, he was engaged in the work of democracy. While there are many details that we do not yet know, we know that violent attacks are never acceptable and that gun violence always leaves a deep scar on the communities that are affected by it. The United States stands with Japan in this moment of grief. I send my deepest condolences to his family." –Joe Biden
_
"Florida is shocked and saddened by the assassination of Shinzo Abe, and we send our condolences to Shinzo's family and the nation of Japan. He was a great man, a great leader, and a great ally to the United States." –Ron DeSantis
_
"Prime Minister Abe was a champion of democracy and a firm believer that no economy, society, or country can achieve its full potential if women are left behind. I am shocked and devastated by his assassination—a loss for Japan and our world." –Hillary Clinton
_
"I'm deeply saddened to learn of the death of Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. A true statesman and committed leader. I won't forget the warmth and generosity he extended to me during my visit to Japan in 2015. My thoughts are with his family and the people of Japan." —Prince William
_
"Doug and I send our deepest condolences to the family of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo and the Japanese people. He was a close friend of the United States and on this tragic day, we stand with our Japanese friends in honoring him and condemning this horrific act of violence." –Kamala Harris
_
"In Shinzo Abe's passing, Japan lost a giant and America lost one of our greatest friends. Abe-san was not only Japan's longest serving Prime Minister, he was an unrivaled champion for the free world across the Asia Pacific and he will be deeply missed." –Mike Pence
