Photo Credit:Reuters
At approximately 14:50 CEST, the Prime Minister was shot multiple times. The assailant, a 71-year-old man, was detained immediately by Fico's bodyguards. The suspect, reportedly from Levice, legally possessed the firearm connected to his private security job.
Prime Minister Fico suffered life-threatening wounds to his stomach, arms, and legs. He was initially taken to Handlová Hospital and then airlifted to Banská Bystrica Hospital. While being transported, he was conscious, according to an interior ministry official. Local broadcaster TA3 reported that four shots were fired, with one striking Fico in his abdomen and others hitting his head and chest.
The assassination attempt has been described as "brutal and ruthless" by Slovakia's President Zuzana Čaputová, who expressed shock and solidarity with Fico. Deputy Speaker of the National Council Ľuboš Blaha confirmed the shooting during a legislative session, which was later suspended. Andrej Danko, deputy Prime Minister of Slovakia and leader of the nationalist Slovak National Party, blamed the political opposition for the attack and warned of a "political war".
Global heads of state and international organizations condemned the attack, offering support for Fico and the people of Slovakia. The European Union expressed its solidarity, emphasizing the importance of political leaders' safety.
The attempt on Fico's life has plunged Slovakia into a state of political turmoil. The shooting coincided with parliamentary discussions on controversial reforms proposed by Fico's government, including the abolition of Slovakia's public broadcaster.
As Slovakia reels from this unprecedented attack, the focus remains on Prime Minister Fico's recovery and the nation's political stability. The next few hours are critical as the world watches and hopes for a peaceful resolution to this crisis.
