Who is Juraj Cintula, the 71-year-old poet who opened fire on Slovak PM Robert Fico?
The assailant who opened fire at the PM has been identified as 71-year-old Juraj Cintula
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was airlifted in a 'life-threatening' condition to a hospital after he was shot on Wednesday (May 15) outside a government building in Handlova.
According to the journalists present at the scene, three to four shots were fired as the PM came out of the House of Culture building to greet the people. The PM was shot in the chest, abdomen and one limb. Interior Ministry spokesman Matej Neumann confirmed that it was an "assassination attempt".
Who was the gunman?
According to media reports, the assailant who opened fire at the PM has been identified as 71-year-old Juraj Cintula. According to “Tv Joj” broadcaster, he originally hails from southern Slovakia.
He co-founded a literary club in 2005 and led the operations there till 2016. He is also a published poet, having authored at least three poems under his name. He is also a member of the Slovak Writers' Association.
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According to a local newspaper “Dennik N”, Cintula used a legally registered short-barreled weapon to carry out the attack.
After the attack, Cintula said he disagreed with the PM's policies.
“He was shot several times and his life is currently in danger,” the Slovak government later confirmed.
World leaders condemn the attack
The attack prompted several world leaders to issue a statement condemning the incident.
While wishing Fico "a speedy and full recovery", Putin said there can be no justification for this “monstrous crime".
"I know Robert Fico as a courageous and strong-minded man. I very much hope that these qualities will help him to survive this difficult situation," Putin said in a telegram to Slovak President Zuzana Caputova.
US President Joe Biden said he was "alarmed" to learn about the attack.
He was “alarmed to hear reports of an attack" on the prime minister, said the White House.
"We condemn this horrific act of violence. Our embassy is in close touch with the government of Slovakia and ready to assist," Biden added.
UN spokesman Farhan Haq said Guterres's "thoughts are with the prime minister and his loved ones at this difficult moment."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, "Every effort should be made to ensure that violence does not become the norm in any country, form, or sphere."
(With inputs from agencies)