Biden on the Death of Japan's Abe: "A Warrior of the US-Japan Alliance"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] U.S. President Joe Biden expressed deep condolences on the shooting death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the 8th (local time).

According to the White House, President Biden stated in a statement, "I am shocked and angered by the fact that former Prime Minister Abe was shot and killed during a campaign, and I express my deep sorrow."

He said, "Former Prime Minister Abe was a champion of the U.S.-Japan alliance and friendship," adding, "As the longest-serving prime minister, his vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific will continue."

He also said, "Violence can never be tolerated, and gun incidents leave deep scars on communities," and "The United States will stand with Japan in this moment of grief."

President Biden ordered that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff at American facilities overseas, including embassies, consulates, legations, military facilities, and naval vessels. The half-staff period will last until sunset on the 10th. He also announced that he would visit the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C. to pay respects on his way to visit the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) that afternoon.

Tony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State attending the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Bali, Indonesia, also expressed condolences at the trilateral U.S.-South Korea-Japan foreign ministers' meeting, saying, "(Former Prime Minister Abe) was a leader with a great vision." In a separate statement, Secretary Blinken said, "Former Prime Minister Abe was a global leader, a steadfast ally and friend of the United States, and his vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific elevated the alliance to new horizons."

Former U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on his social media platform 'Truth Social,' "A tremendous shock to the Japanese people," adding, "History will remember him." Former President Barack Obama also tweeted, "I am shocked and saddened by the shooting of former Prime Minister Abe," and "Former Prime Minister Abe was devoted to Japan and worked hard for the special U.S.-Japan alliance," paying tribute.