Jack Schlossberg Calls Shinzo Abe a "Transformational Leader"

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated today at age 67 while giving a campaign speech in Nara, Japan. Abe, the longest-serving Japanese prime minister in history, stepped down in 2020. Tributes have poured out from around the world—including from John F. Kennedy's grandson, Jack Schlossberg.

"Transformational leader," Schlossberg tweeted of Abe, "committed to democracy, rule of law, and US-Japan alliance." He continued, "Legacy endures in the strength of the Japanese people and the ties that bind our two nations." He ended his tweet with "Otsukare," an expression that is an appreciation for hard work.

He also shared a photo of the two of them:

Schlossberg's mom, Caroline Kennedy, served as US Ambassador to Japan from 2013 to 2017.

On his Instagram story, Schlossberg posted a few additional images, including one that showed him, his mom, and Abe, writing "the only 2 guests at my 23rd birthday." He also shared a photo of Abe, his wife Akie, Jack, and his parents, signed by Abe writing, "To Jack, Happy Birthday!"

The Kennedys are, of course, no stranger to political assassinations. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas on November 22, 1963. Caroline was only five years old when her father was killed.

Already, comparisons are being made between Abe and Kennedy. "I think it's going to be an equivalent of JFK's assassination day," Tomohiko Taniguchi, a special adviser to Abe, told CNN. "It's been a day of sadness, grief, disbelief, and for me, tremendous anger. People are finding it very much hard to digest the reality. I think it's very much an isolated event conducted by very much an isolated person. Nonetheless, that isolated incident killed one of the most transformative leaders of the Japanese history."

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