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Slovak PM’s bodyguards jump into action after he is shot in the stomach. VIDEO

Slovak PM’s bodyguards jump into action after he is shot in the stomach. VIDEO

A person is detained following the shooting of Slovakia Prime Minister Robert Fico

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot and taken to the hospital after a cabinet meeting in the central town of Handlova on Wednesday (May 15).According to reports on the Slovakian TV channel TA3, Fico, aged 59, was hit in the abdomen by four gunshots fired outside the House of Culture in the town of Handlová, approximately 90 miles (150km) northeast of the capital.

The PMhad been meeting a small crowd of supporters when the shooting happened, the news outlet Aktuality reported.

The footage of the aftermath showshis bodyguards springing into action and escorting him into his armoured limousine.According to AFP, Dennik N daily, whose reporter witnessed the premier being assisted into a car by security personnel, reported that the suspected gunman had been arrested by the police.

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According to a post on X by Eastern European media NEXTA, citing local sources, the Prime Minister was reportedly shot multiple times.

"One to the abdomen, one to the head. He's in serious condition," NEXTA said in the post.EU chief Ursula von der Leyen denounced the "vile attack" on Robert Fico.

"I strongly condemn the vile attack on Prime Minister Robert Fico. Such acts of violence have no place in our society and undermine democracy, our most precious common good. My thoughts are with PM Fico, his family," von der Leyen said on X.

Watch the video here:

Slovak President Zuzana Caputova slammed the "brutal and reckless" attack on the Prime Minister.

"I am shocked. I wish Robert Fico a lot of strength in this critical moment to recover from the attack," she said in a statement, calling it "a brutal and reckless attack".

Fico, a long-time politician, came back to lead Slovakia after last year's elections. His promises to stop helping Ukraine, his opposition to sanctions on Russia, and his stance against LGBTQ+ rights helped him win support.

(With inputs from agencies)