The police have arrested the suspected shooter.
Vilma Romsi,
Roni Kuronen
16:13•Updated 17:06
Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico has been shot after the session of the country’s government.
News agency AP reports that the incident took place in front of the cultural center in the city of Handlova, about 150 kilometers from the country’s capital, Bratislava. Fico was there to meet his supporters.
Deputy Speaker of the Slovak Parliament Lubos Blaha confirmed the incident in the parliament and interrupted the session of the parliament, TASR news agency reports. A spokesman for the Slovak Interior Ministry confirms to Reuters that it was an assassination attempt.
Belarusian independent media Nexta has published a video on social service X in which Fico’s security guards are seen dragging him to the car after the shooting. According to Nexta, the eyewitnesses arrested the shooting suspect at the same time. The police have arrested the attacker.
The news agency AFP says that Fico is being transported to a hospital in Bratislava. Prior to this, Fico was treated at a hospital in Handlova, where the prime minister was said to be conscious upon arrival.
Slovak media Plus says that Fico’s condition is very serious.
Slovakian TA3 media reports that four rounds were fired, and that at least one of the bullets hit Fico in the abdomen.
President of Slovakia Zuzana Caputová says he condemns the “brutal attack” and wishes Fico a speedy recovery.
Also, among other things, the chairman of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz and the Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán have condemned the attack.
Prime Minister Fico’s Russia line has differed from the leaders of most EU countries. Immediately after taking office, Fico announced that Slovakia would end arms aid to Ukraine. In addition, Fico has opposed sanctions against Russia.
Sources: Reuters, AP, AFP
The news is updated.