Abe was assassinated on 8 July 2022 in Nara by a former Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) member who used a homemade firearm resembling a double-barreled shotgun. Abe had been delivering a campaign speech near the north exit of Yamato-Saidaiji Station in support for fellow LDP party member Kei Satō for the House of Councillors election.