US President Joe Biden said the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo has left him "stunned, outraged, and deeply saddened."

Many other Americans are saying the same thing.

Biden visited the residence of the Japanese ambassador to pay his respects and offer condolences. He called Abe a "friend" and said the two worked closely together during his time as vice president. He said Abe's vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific "will endure."

Former President Barack Obama took to Twitter to express his shock. He said Abe was devoted to the "extraordinary alliance" shared by the US and Japan.

In 2016, Obama made a historic trip to the city of Hiroshima while the two were leaders. It was the first time a sitting US president visited the site of the World War Two atomic bombing.

Former President Donald Trump also took to social media. He called Abe "a man who loved and cherished his magnificent country." The two leaders enjoyed strong personal ties and a love for the game of golf.

People in New York City had a hard time believing the news.

One man said the most shocking thing about the assassination was that it actually happened in Japan.

A woman said gun violence should not be OK and accepted. She added that the shooting is horrible news and that she feels really sorry for Japan.

Biden ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at the White House, military bases, public buildings, and US facilities overseas. Governors of several states, including Hawaii, Nebraska, and Utah, have followed suit.