Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot multiple times in an attempt to assassination. He was said to be shot 5 times when was leaving a government meeting and greeting people in the town of Handlova.
The Shooter is said to be 71-year-old, and now is in custody.
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How and When the Attack happened?
On Wednesday, the Prime Minister was attacked by a gunman and shot 5 times in what is described as a politically driven attack.
After the incident, 59-year-old Prime Minister Fico was immediately transferred to a hospital near the city of Banska Bystrica by a helicopter.
A video shared on social media showed, Fico was approaching a group of people and suddenly a man emerged and fired a pistol at Fico, resulting in five audible gunshots.
The suspect was caught by the security officers at the shooting sight wearing pale blue shirt. Officials stated that primary evidences suggested political motivations resulted in the attack by the suspect.
After undergoing several hours of surgery the Slovakian Prime Minister Fico is said to be in a stable condition.
Where did the Attack happen?
The attack took place in the central town of Handlova when PM Fico was out after a government meeting and greeting the local people there. The town of Handlova falls 190km from Slovakia’s capital city, Bratislava.
Who was behind the Attack?
According to the reports by Associate Press (AP) the suspect was a former security guard at a shopping mall, a member of Slovak Society of Poets and owned a three-poetry collection.
Reports said, he was legal holder of gun licence, and is said to be 71-year-old.
Reports says, he was acting alone, driven by political dissatisfaction following the recent presidential elections.
Who is Robert Fico?
Robert Fico, aged 59, is a seasoned politician and the leader of Slovakia. He is the third term winner as Slovakian Prime Minister in October. His political journey has been marked by both controversy and commendation.
Known for his populist policies, Fico has been a polarizing figure in Slovak politics. Fico in his latest campaign pledged to pursue a ‘Sovereign’ foreign policy and actively campaigned against LGBTQ+ rights.
What was the Content of Attack?
The country has been deeply politically divided, with Fico’s policies often at the centre of debate and the attack is said to be a result of this political backdrop.
His government’s recent proposal to abolish Slovakia’s public broadcaster, RTVS, has led to widespread protest in the country.
Global Leaders React
US President Joe Biden said it was a “horrific act of violence” and added he and First Lady Jill Biden are “are praying for swift recovery, and our thoughts are with his family and people of Slovakia”, in a statement released from The White House by President Joe Biden.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said, “There can be no justification for this monstrous crime.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also condemned the attack saying ““We strongly condemn this act of violence against our neighbouring partner state’s head of government.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing shock over the incident said “I strongly condemn this cowardly and dastardly act and wish PM Fico a speedy recovery. India stands in solidarity with the people of the Slovak Republic.”
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban described the act as “heinous” attack. He said he was deeply shocked by the heinous attack against his friend, Prime Minister Robert Fico.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said “Condemned the vile attack…such acts of violence have no place in our society and undermine democracy, our most precious common good.”
