Slovak PM Fico Critically Wounded in Apparent Assassination Attempt
Slovakia's Prime Minister, Robert Fico, sustained multiple gunshot wounds today, leaving him in a critical condition, as confirmed by his Facebook page and the Slovak government.
The shooting occurred in Handlova, approximately 90 miles northeast of Bratislava, following a government meeting, sending shockwaves through the nation and beyond. Fico, a 59-year-old leader known for his populist stance and pro-Russian views, remained under medical care hours after the incident.
Defense Minister Robert Kalina updated the press, stating that Fico's surgery was ongoing and characterized his condition as "extremely grave.
At least four shots were fired outside a cultural center in the town of Handlova, nearly 140 kilometers (85 miles) northeast of the capital, where Fico was meeting with supporters, the government said.
A suspect was in custody after being detained at the scene, and an initial investigation found "a clear political motivation" behind the assassination attempt, Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok said as he briefed reporters alongside the defense minister. Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár also called it an assassination attempt in a social media post.
Fico was initially transported by car and later by helicopter to a regional hospital due to the urgency of his condition.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Lubos Blaha, acknowledged the incident during a parliamentary session and subsequently suspended legislative proceedings until further notice.
No additional suspects were reported to be at large, and no immediate information was available regarding a motive for the shooting of the polarizing, long-serving politician.
Footage from the site depicted security personnel swiftly ushering the injured prime minister into a vehicle before departing rapidly. He was subsequently transferred to a helicopter, and cameras captured his arrival at a hospital in Banska Bystrica, where he was wheeled in on a stretcher, shielded by blankets.
