Members of Congress expressed sympathy and shock over the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was fatally shot Friday while giving a speech.
Abe was the longest-serving prime minister of Japan after World War II, and many American politicians have worked with him over the years. Lawmakers remembered him as a great leader who strengthened the relationship between the United States and Japan.
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Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN), who was ambassador to Japan from 2017 to 2019, fondly remembered his working relationship with “the greatest PM in modern Japanese history” and expressed condolences to his family.
“Former Prime Minister Abe championed freedom, security, and prosperity amid the rising tide of authoritarian regimes in the world,” Hagerty said in a statement. “During my tenure as U.S. ambassador to Japan, I cherished our friendship and can proudly say that the U.S.-Japan alliance was strengthened and raised to new heights by our work together.”
The world today tragically lost a leading statesman, tireless champion of democratic values & the greatest PM in modern Japanese history—my friend Shinzo Abe. As U.S. Amb to Japan, I cherished our friendship. I extend my deepest sympathies to his loved ones & the people of Japan. pic.twitter.com/810ogdjLpd
— Senator Bill Hagerty (@SenatorHagerty) July 8, 2022
Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) reacted early to news of the shooting, tweeting, “Distressed to wake to news of shooting of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. A dastardly act. Hoping for his survival and recovery. Met with him twice. A superior leader and diplomat.”
Rep. Michael McCaul (TX), the top Republican on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, said he is horrified by the news of Abe’s murder, praising his tenure as the leader of Japan.
“I am shocked and horrified at the brutal murder of former Prime Minister Abe. I offer my condolences to his family and friends, as well as to all the people of Japan,” McCaul said. “He was a strong and thoughtful leader, who dedicated his life to his people. He will be missed.”
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) called for “justice against” the person responsible for the assassination.
“Terrible news out of Japan this morning. America sends our condolences to the family of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He was a visionary leader who sought to strengthen our alliance,” McCarthy said in a social media post. “We are praying for Japan and for justice against the criminal behind this evil attack.”
Rep. Rubin Gallego (D-AZ) took to social media to praise Abe’s 2015 joint address to Congress, in which he called for a closer relationship and assured lawmakers that Japan was taking the steps necessary to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement.
“It was a great speech and he was a great leader. The world lost a great leader,” Gallego tweeted.
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Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) lauded Abe’s approach to China’s growing power in Asia.
“This is a very sad day for the Japanese people, and I mourn with them. Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was a great leader of Japan — a man who loved his country and her people,” Wenstrup said in a statement. “He was clear-eyed about the Chinese threat his nation and the world faces. Prime Minister Abe was a true friend and ally of the United States. His global leadership will be missed. May he go with God.”
Police have arrested a suspect who allegedly used a homemade gun to carry out the attack. The motive has not yet been made clear.
