Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico Shot in Assassination Attempt, in Life-Threatening Condition
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico Shot in Assassination Attempt, in Life-Threatening Condition
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is in life-threatening condition after a shocking assassination attempt.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot multiple times in an assassination attempt on Wednesday after a government meeting in the town of Handlova. The shooting occurred as Fico, 59, was greeting supporters outside the local House of Culture. He was rushed to a hospital in Banska Bystrica in a life-threatening condition, with the next few hours expected to be critical.
Shooting Incident and Medical Treatment
According to local broadcaster TA3, four shots were fired, with one hitting Fico in the stomach. Handlova hospital director Marta Eckhardtova confirmed that the prime minister was treated at their vascular surgery clinic before being transported by helicopter to Banska Bystrica due to the necessity of an acute intervention. Witnesses reported hearing several shots and seeing Fico fall to the ground with wounds to his head and chest. His security detail quickly rushed him into a car before he was airlifted to the hospital.
A suspect was detained at the scene by law enforcement officers. The shooting occurred just three weeks ahead of crucial European Parliament elections and has sent shockwaves through the Slovak political landscape. Parliament was in session at the time of the attack, and the deputy speaker adjourned the session until further notice.
In a message posted on Fico’s Facebook page, his staff stated that he was shot a number of times and is currently in a life-threatening condition. The next few hours are expected to be critical.
European Leaders Condemn the Attack
European leaders swiftly condemned the attack on Fico. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that such acts of violence have no place in European politics and undermine democracy. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a political ally of Fico, also expressed their shock and condemnation of the shooting.
Slovak President Zuzana Caputova called the attack “brutal and ruthless” and wished Fico strength to recover. President-elect Peter Pellegrini, a political ally of Fico, described the attack as an “unprecedented threat to Slovak democracy” and urged people to express disagreements democratically and legally.
The shooting has highlighted the political divisions in Slovakia, with some politicians accusing the opposition of stoking the attack through their criticism of Fico’s policies.
Fico's Political Career and Controversial Stances
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