Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has reportedly survived an assassination attempt, according to the Slovak press and Fico’s Facebook page. “Today, there was an attempt on R. Fico’s life. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds, and his condition is critical. Currently, he is being airlifted to Banská Bystrica due to the urgency of medical intervention, as the journey to Bratislava would be too lengthy. The next few hours will be crucial,” stated the official press release.
The Slovak media outlet Aktaulity.sk reported that the attack occurred right after a government meeting on Wednesday in the town of Handlova, located some 190 kilometres northeast of the Slovak capital, Bratislava. Subsequently, the Ministry of Interior spokesperson, Matej Neumann, confirmed the information regarding the gunfire aimed at the Prime Minister. “I heard three or four gunshots. I saw Fico being lifted from the ground,” testified journalist Daniel Vrazhda, recounting the incident.
According to the Slovak press, only a few people were present near the House of Culture in Handlova. Among the small gathering awaiting Prime Minister Fico, there were no taunts or chants of anti-government slogans. Only one individual held up a sign against the government. The shooting occurred as Fico approached to greet those gathered.
According to Spravy.pravda.sk, the Prime Minister sustained injuries to the stomach and chest. The assailant allegedly shouted, “Robo, come here!” before opening fire. The suspect is believed to be a 71-year-old retiree from the western Slovak town of Levice, was promptly apprehended by the police. Denník N reports that he used a legally owned short-barreled pistol in the attack.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has labelled the assault on the Slovak Prime Minister as “appaling” and stressed that Ukraine “strongly condemns this act of violence against our neighbouring partner state’s head of government. Every effort should be made to ensure that violence does not become the norm in any country, form, or sphere. We sincerely hope Robert Fico recovers soon and express our solidarity with the people of Slovakia.”
