Handlova, May 15, 2024, The Europe Today: Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico has reportedly been injured in a shooting incident following a government meeting. The Prime Minister was taken to a hospital after being shot in the stomach, according to local broadcaster TA3.
The incident occurred in the central Slovakian town of Handlova, approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) northeast of the capital Bratislava. The shooting took place in front of the local “House of Culture,” where populist leader Fico had been meeting with supporters.
Slovakian parliament’s deputy speaker, Lubos Blaha, confirmed the incident during a parliamentary session, which was subsequently adjourned until further notice.
Slovakian President Zuzana Caputova condemned the attack, describing it as “brutal and ruthless.” In a statement, President Caputova expressed her shock, saying, “I wish Robert Fico a lot of strength in this critical moment and a quick recovery from this attack.”
Witnesses described the chaotic scene. A reporter for a daily newspaper recounted hearing gunshots and seeing rescuers carry the 59-year-old Prime Minister to a car. Another witness told Reuters that they heard several shots and saw a man being detained by police.
Further details about the assailant and the motive behind the attack have not been released, and authorities are currently investigating the incident. The nation awaits updates on Prime Minister Fico’s condition and the ongoing investigation into this shocking act of violence.
