Images from Slovak television show Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico being shot several times after a government meeting in the town of Handlová, about 150 kilometers from the capital Bratislava.
It is when he goes to greet the audience outside the cultural center that the shots are fired from close range and Fico is seen lying on the ground. His bodyguards act with lightning speed and the shooter is arrested immediately after the attack in the middle of the spectators.
Operated – the condition is critical
Fico was taken by ambulance helicopter to hospital and his condition is said to be critical. At around 8 p.m., the country’s defense minister stated that he is still undergoing surgery and fighting for his life.
– His condition is extremely serious, says Defense Minister Robert Kalinak at a press conference, according to SMEs.
According to several Slovak media, the assailant is a poet with clear left-wing sympathies.
Became an eyewitness
Lubica Valkova, 66, was there and witnessed the incident.
– It feels like a nightmare. But I don’t think I’ll wake up from it. I didn’t think this could happen in Slovakia, she says.