VIDEO: Slovak PM in ‘life-threatening condition’ after being shot in assassination attempt
Slovak PM shot after a meeting
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has been reportedly shot in Handlova, a town in the central part of the country, as he was leaving from a building after attending a meeting. A government meeting was held in the building earlier, said reports. Journalists at the scene report that several shots were fired.
As per reports, several shots were heard before the PM's security detail bundled him into a nearby car. He was airlifted by helicopter to a nearby hospital and was later flown to another hospital in Banska Bystrica, east of Handlova, reports say.
Politico reported the PM was shot in the chest and also sustained injuries to his head. People present at the spot saw the PM falling to the ground.
Slovak government in a statement to WION said the PM was in a 'life-threatening condition.'
"The PM is currently being transported by helicopter to Banská Bystrica in a life-threatening condition," the statement read.
Videos showing the aftermath of the shooting incident are circulating on social media but WION can't verify them independently.
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Police at the scene have detained the gunman.
(Above image shows the gunman held by security officials)
The prime minister'soffice was not available for an immediate comment over the situation.
According to local media reports, the PM was first rushed to a security car and then airlifted by a helicopter to a nearby hospital.
Fico reclaimed the PM seat in the last September elections, and leads a populist-nationalist coalition.
He has been criticised by the West for not being supportive of Ukraine after he halted military aid to Kyiv in January this year.
He has also attracted controversial media coverage for his pro-Russia comments and efforts to expand control over state media.
Reacting to the news,Slovakia's outgoing president Zuzana Caputova said she was shocked by the "brutal and ruthless" attack and wished him strength to recover.
Michal Šimečka, an opposition leader, said he was “shocked and appalled” by the shooting.
“We unequivocally and strongly condemn any violence. We trust that Prime Minister Fico will be fine and that this terrible act will be brought to light as soon as possible,” Šimečka also said on X.