Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he is “deeply distressed” by the attack on his former Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe, who was conducting an election rally in the western city of Nara Friday.

“Deeply distressed by the attack on my dear friend Abe Shinzo. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the people of Japan,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

Abe is showing no vital signs following his collapse on the street after being shot Friday.

Police arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder and retrieved a gun.

The man in custody is 41-year-old Yamagami Tetsuya, police said, adding that they seized the gun which the suspect was apparently holding.

Abe was transferred by medevac to Nara Medical University Hospital in Kashihara City. Police said Abe appears to have been shot from behind.

The fire department said he is in cardiopulmonary arrest, nhkworld reported.

Abe was making a speech for an election campaign for a Liberal Democratic Party candidate in Nara City when he collapsed around 11:30 a.m. local time and was rushed to a hospital.

Police arrested Tetsuya for allegedly attempting homicide and are interrogating him.

The NHK report earlier confirmed Abe was bleeding and at least two gunshots were heard near the Yamatosaidaiji Station, where the former prime minister was campaigning before the Upper House election scheduled on Sunday.