Assassination attempt on the Prime Minister of Slovakia

Last update – 17:38

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was wounded after being shot after a government meeting in the Slovak city of Hadlova, Reuters news agency reported.

The news was confirmed in local media by Vice President Lubos Blacha.

According to the information, the perpetrator was arrested, while the Slovak Prime Minister was transported to the hospital by helicopter sent by the Slovak emergency services to the scene of the accident.

The Prime Minister’s Office announced that his health condition remains critical. The Prime Minister was transferred to a hospital in the city of Banska Bystrica, as the severity of his condition did not allow him to be transferred to the capital, Bratislava.

According to the first summary medical report, Robert Fitzo was conscious when he arrived at the hospital, where he was treated for his gunshot wound and his vital organs were stabilized.

A spokesman for the Slovak Interior Ministry confirmed that the attack was fatal. Four shots were reportedly fired, one of which hit Mr Fitzo in the stomach.

Slovak President Zuzana Czabotová condemned the attack and wished the country’s Prime Minister a speedy recovery.

An eyewitness told Reuters that he heard several gunshots and then saw a man being arrested by police.

Watch: Suspect arrested after shooting Slovak Prime Minister pic.twitter.com/4222ctZsE6

– BNO News (@BNONews) May 15, 2024

European leaders say they are ‘shocked’

He condemned the “despicable attack.” President of the European Commission, Ursula von der LeyenHe commented, “Such acts of violence have no place in our society and undermine the highest social good, which is democracy.” He added: “My thoughts are with Prime Minister Vizzo and his family.”

the President of the European Council Charles Michel And the President of the European Parliament Roberta Mizzola They said they were shocked by the incident. S said. Michelle said in a post on X: “Nothing can justify these acts of violence,” while R. Mitsola: “On behalf of the European Parliament, I condemn this violent attack. My thoughts are with him and his family at this difficult time.”

the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz He said in a post on the X website: “I am shocked by the cowardly assassination attempt on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. There is no place for violence in European politics.”

Their posts also moved in the same direction Prime Ministers Ha Polish Donald Tusk And Dutchman Mark Ruttewho condemned the event with shock and expressed their support for R. Fitso.

“I am shocked by this tragic news. All my thoughts are with Prime Minister Vizzo and his family,” he said. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

He also said “I am deeply shocked” by the “heinous attack on my friend Robert Fitzo.” Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

the Czech Prime Minister, Peter Fiala He also said that he was shocked by the news, and in turn wished his Slovakian counterpart a speedy recovery, while he said romanian prime minister, Marcel TsolaccoStressing the need to punish the perpetrators of these crimes.

Their support has also been expressed before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky And NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. “Every effort must be made to ensure that violence is not legitimized in any country.”

More in a moment…