Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot in the abdomen on Wednesday after a government meeting in Handlova, about two hours from the capital city of Bratislava, state news agency TASR reported, according to Reuters.
Several shots were fired, those at the scene told news outlets, with video on social media showing Fico being carried into his car by his security guards. He was then airlifted to a nearby hospital by helicopter, reports said.
A suspect has been detained by police.
BREAKING: Slovakia PM Robert Fico shot, suspected assassin detained - footage of the moment pic.twitter.com/FeX7fUTGsY
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) May 15, 2024
WATCH: Suspect arrested after shooting Slovakia's prime minister pic.twitter.com/4222ctZsE6
— BNO News (@BNONews) May 15, 2024
Slovakia's Prime Minister Rob Fico was just gunned down in broad daylight.
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) May 15, 2024
He is a prominent nationalist who rejected immigration quotas by the EU, funding to Ukraine, & the WHO's pandemic treaty.
Pray for his speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/Z64mnJPTJm
Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová said on social media that she was “utterly shocked” by the "brutal attack" on the prime minister.
"I wish him lot of strength in this critical moment and early recovery. My thoughts are also with his family and close ones," she added.
Utterly shocked by today's brutal attack on #Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, which I condemn in strongest possible terms.
— Zuzana Čaputová (@ZuzanaCaputova) May 15, 2024
I wish him lot of strength in this critical moment and early recovery. My thoughts are also with his family and close ones.
UPDATE:
A Facebook post from Fico's official account said the prime minister was shot multiple times and sustained "life threatening" injuries in an assassination attempt. "The next few hours will decide," the post concluded.
This is a breaking news post and may be updated with additional information.