Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico, a prominent figure in the country’s populist movement, was wounded in a shooting incident on Wednesday afternoon. The incident took place outside the House of Culture in Handlova, approximately 150 kilometers northeast of the capital, where Fico was engaging with supporters. According to reports from TA3, a Slovakian television station, Fico, aged 59, sustained injuries to his stomach as four shots were fired. Following the attack, he was promptly transported to a hospital for medical attention.
Law enforcement authorities swiftly responded to the scene, detaining a suspect, and cordoning off the area for investigation. The severity of Fico’s injuries has not been disclosed.
During a parliamentary session, Deputy Speaker Lubos Blaha confirmed the incident and adjourned proceedings until further notice, as reported by the Slovak TASR news agency.
Slovakian President Zuzana Caputova swiftly condemned the attack, describing it as “brutal and ruthless.” She expressed shock over the incident and extended her wishes for Fico’s swift recovery.
The motives behind the shooting remain unclear, and authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.
