NARA, Japan (AP) — Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, one of Japan’s most powerful politicians, has died after being shot during a campaign speech.

Abe was shot from behind minutes after he started his speech Friday in Nara in western Japan.

He was airlifted to a hospital for emergency treatment but was not breathing and his heart had stopped.

He was pronounced dead later at the hospital.

The 67-year-old Abe was Japan’s longest-serving leader before stepping down for health reasons in 2020.

Police arrested the suspected gunman at the scene of the attack, which shocked people in a country known as one of the world’s safest.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Friday’s shocking assassination of Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in one of the world’s safest countries stunned leaders and drew condemnation.

Iran called the shooting an “act of terrorism” and European leaders slammed the “despicable” attack.

Abe was shot in Nara, Japan, and airlifted to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Police have arrested a suspected gunman at the scene.

The White House said it was shocked and saddened about the violent attack.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Abe’s assassination was “profoundly disturbing” and a “personal loss for so many people.”

The prime ministers of Spain and Singapore were among many leaders condemning the attack.

Leaders around the world gave their condolences and expressed solidarity with Japan.