Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe dead from gunshot wounds

(KYMA, KECY/ NBC News) - A breaking update on the former Japanese Prime Minister who was shot at a campaign speech in western Japan Friday.

Shinzo Abe has died from the gunshot wounds. 

Abe was at the beginning of that speech when gunfire rang out.

He was struck and quickly rushed to a nearby medical university hospital after suffering cardio and pulmonary arrest. He was unresponsive when he arrived and efforts to resuscitate him failed.

The hospital announced his death several hours later.

Officials have apprehended a male in his 40's they believe to be involved in the shooting.

Meanwhile, current Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida spoke out about the former Prime Minister Abe's death.

Kishida said the death of Abe was disappointing and condemned the violent action in the strongest possible terms.

He called him a friend who gave him value support and advice, praising Abe for being a great leader, adding that he has great respect for the legacy he left behind.