Biden pays tribute to ex Japanese PM Abe

U.S. President Joe Biden addressed the assassination of Shinzo Abe, Japan's former prime minister, at the start of his remarks at CIA headquarters just outside Washington, D.C. Friday.

Biden said the former Japanese prime minister was deeply committed to strengthening Japan's alliance with the United States, and pursuing an open and free Indo-Pacific region.

"Service to his country and his people was in his bones," Biden said. "He cared deeply and I hold him in great respect." Biden earlier visited the residence of Japan’s ambassador to the U.S. on Friday to offer condolences.

Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, Abe was shot in the back while campaigning in the city of Nara for parliamentary candidates. He died at a hospital, two days before the election.