Slovakian prime minister shot in 'brutal' attack while meeting supporters
Robert Fico has been taken to hospital after being shot after a government meeting. The attack has been condemned by European figures including Slovakia's president.
Wednesday 15 May 2024 15:11, UK[IMG alt="Pic: Reuters
A person is detained after a shooting incident after Slovak government meeting in Handlova, Slovakia, May 15, 2024. REUTERS/Radovan Stoklasa"]https://e3-365dm-com.cdn.ampproject...oting_6554898.jpg?20240515142451[/IMG]Image:A person is detained after the shooting in Handlova, Slovakia. Pic: Reuters
Slovakia's prime minster Robert Fico is in a life-threatening condition after being shot.
He has been taken to hospital by helicopter in what has been described as a crucial few hours for the Slovak premier.
The incident took place outside the House of Culture in the town of Handlova, where Mr Fico had been meeting supporters.
A suspect has been detained.
Slovakia's interior ministry confirmed that an assassination attempt had been carried out.
He was conscious when he was taken to hospital, a spokesperson said, and was treated for shot wounds.
Four shots were fired after a government meeting, with one hitting the prime minister in the abdomen.
Emergency services said they dispatched a helicopter to a 59-year-old man in Handlova after receiving a report of a shooting.
[IMG alt="Pic: Reuters
Security officers move Slovak PM Robert Fico in a car after a shooting incident, after a Slovak government meeting in Handlova, Slovakia, May 15, 2024. REUTERS/Radovan Stoklasa"]https://e3-365dm-com.cdn.ampproject...554896.jpg?20240515142247[/IMG]Image:Security officers move Slovak PM Robert Fico in a car after the incident. Pic: Reuters
[IMG alt="pic: Reuters
A person is detained after shooting incident of Slovak PM Robert Fico, after a Slovak government meeting in Handlova, Slovakia, May 15, 2024. REUTERS/Radovan Stoklasa"]https://e3-365dm-com.cdn.ampproject...lovak_6554894.jpg?20240515142128[/IMG]Image:A person is detained. Pic: Reuters
Two people who were with Mr Fico at the moment he was shot told local news outlet Diary N about the moment it happened.
"I was just going to shake his hand," said one. "When the shots rang out, I almost became deaf," said the other, who did not want to give her name. She heard three or four shots.
She saw Fico fall to the ground in front of her and says she noticed bloody injuries on his chest and head.
President Zuzana Caputova condemned "a brutal and ruthless" attack on the premier.
"I'm shocked," Ms Caputova said. "I wish Robert Fico a lot of strength in this critical moment and a quick recovery from this attack."
Germany's chancellor Olaf Scholz said he was "shocked" by the attack and said violence has no place in politics.
Handlova is located some 150 kilometres (93 miles) north east of the capital Bratislava.
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