A woman who was at the scene where former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo was shot in western Japan says Abe collapsed right after a second gunshot.

She said she saw a man approaching from behind Abe as the former prime minister was delivering a speech. She said she didn't see anyone fall down after the first shot, which she said was very loud, but Abe collapsed as soon as the second shot came.

She said many people gathered around Abe to give him emergency treatment such as cardiac massage.

She said the suspect remained on the spot without trying to flee, with his gun laid down, and that he was caught by people who appeared to be security personnel.