Silver State Times

Flags across Nevada were ordered to fly at half-staff in honor of recently assassinated Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.

Gov. Steve Sisolak issued an executive order, along with a directive from President Joe Biden, July 8 to honor Shinzo after he was fatally shot while giving a campaign speech, according to a press release.

“Abe Shinzo was the longest-serving prime minister of Japan and worked with U.S. presidents from both parties to deepen the alliance and collaboration between our nations,” Sisolak said in the release. “On behalf of the state of Nevada, we are sending our deep condolences to his loved ones and the entire country in the wake of this shocking tragedy.”

State buildings began flying flags at half-staff from the moment the order was issued until July 10, according to the release.

Biden said in a White House press release that Shinzo was an advocate for a strong relationship between the United States and Japan.

“I am stunned, outraged, and deeply saddened by the news that my friend, Abe Shinzo, former prime minister of Japan, was shot and killed while campaigning,” Biden said. “This is a tragedy for Japan and for all who knew him. I had the privilege to work closely with Prime Minister Abe. As vice president, I visited him in Tokyo and welcomed him to Washington.”