Former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe died after he was shot while giving an election campaign speech. Lawmakers from across the aisle including Florida Senator Rick Scott (R) and Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) have expressed their condolences, calling him "a true friend to America."
Abe was Japan's longest serving leader.
Shortly after media outlets announced the death of Abe, lawmakers took to social media to reflect on Abe's relationship to the United States.
In a statement, Rep. Wasserman-Schultz said that "Abe was a true friend to America and a visionary leader committed to the critical alliance between our nations."
Senator Scott echoed in her remarks, sharing that he is "outraged and deeply saddened by the sudden and horrific loss of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe."
"His senseless assassination has shocked the world and stolen from freedom-loving people everywhere a great and true champion for democracy," Scott said, adding that "twice in the past two decades, Shinzo Abe was called to serve the people of Japan as their prime minister, and his years both in and out of office were defined by his commitment to freedom, prosperity for Japan and its allies and strengthening the relationship between our great nations."
Calling Abe "an unapologetic believer in the power of democracy and one of the strongest voices in support of freedom across the Info-Pacific [sic]," Scott added that Abe "was particularly a champion for peace through strength, and stood up for Taiwan against Communist China's aggression."
Abe's death, Scott says, "is devastating to those still fighting to protect our shared ideals, but we must march forward."
Both President Joe Biden (D) and President Donald Trump (R) released statements with Biden saying that Abe "cared deeply about the Japanese people and dedicated his life to their service." Similarly, Trump expressed that Abe's assassination is “Really BAD NEWS FOR THE WORLD!”
