Former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo collapsed during a speech in the city of Nara

The 67-year-old ex-world leader is showing no vital signs after being rushed to hospital.

An NHK reporter on site heard something that sounded like a gunshot

The woman said that though the first gunshot was loud, she did not see anyone fall.

The incident occurred at around 11.30 am (8.30 am IST).

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, addressing the media on Friday morning,

Initial reports say he may have been injured

A suspect has been taken into custody.