00:10A 71-year-old suspect has been detained following an assassination attempt on Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico. The incident occurred outside the Harlova House of Culture, where Fico was shot multiple times and left in a "life-threatening condition," according to an official statement released on his social media page on Wednesday.
Still images from the scene show security agents urgently grabbing the wounded prime minister from the ground and hustling him into a black car that sped away. Concurrently, police officers were seen handcuffing the suspect on the pavement.
The prime minister's office confirmed the severity of his injuries, stating that Fico was in critical condition after the shooting. "Prime Minister Robert Fico is in a life-threatening condition after being shot multiple times in an assassination attempt," the statement read.
Authorities have yet to disclose the motive behind the attack as the investigation continues. The nation is on high alert, with increased security measures expected around government officials.
The alleged assailant, named in local media as Slovakian Juraj Cintula, was detained at the scene, while no details have been released by police about a possible motive.
Handlova lies 150km northeast of the capital Bratislava.
59-year-old Fico was elected in September 2023, marking his fourth period as PM and ran on a campaign to end military support to Ukraine. He has opposed EU sanctions on Russia and the sending of arms to Kiev, saying the US and others should use their influence to bring about a peace deal.
Fico shooting suspect detained, security rush injured PM to car after armed attack *STILLS*
A 71-year-old suspect has been detained following an assassination attempt on Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico. The incident occurred outside the Harlova House of Culture, where Fico was shot multiple times and left in a "life-threatening condition," according to an official statement released on his social media page on Wednesday.
Still images from the scene show security agents urgently grabbing the wounded prime minister from the ground and hustling him into a black car that sped away. Concurrently, police officers were seen handcuffing the suspect on the pavement.
The prime minister's office confirmed the severity of his injuries, stating that Fico was in critical condition after the shooting. "Prime Minister Robert Fico is in a life-threatening condition after being shot multiple times in an assassination attempt," the statement read.
Authorities have yet to disclose the motive behind the attack as the investigation continues. The nation is on high alert, with increased security measures expected around government officials.
The alleged assailant, named in local media as Slovakian Juraj Cintula, was detained at the scene, while no details have been released by police about a possible motive.
Handlova lies 150km northeast of the capital Bratislava.
59-year-old Fico was elected in September 2023, marking his fourth period as PM and ran on a campaign to end military support to Ukraine. He has opposed EU sanctions on Russia and the sending of arms to Kiev, saying the US and others should use their influence to bring about a peace deal.
A 71-year-old suspect has been detained following an assassination attempt on Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico. The incident occurred outside the Harlova House of Culture, where Fico was shot multiple times and left in a "life-threatening condition," according to an official statement released on his social media page on Wednesday.
Still images from the scene show security agents urgently grabbing the wounded prime minister from the ground and hustling him into a black car that sped away. Concurrently, police officers were seen handcuffing the suspect on the pavement.
The prime minister's office confirmed the severity of his injuries, stating that Fico was in critical condition after the shooting. "Prime Minister Robert Fico is in a life-threatening condition after being shot multiple times in an assassination attempt," the statement read.
Authorities have yet to disclose the motive behind the attack as the investigation continues. The nation is on high alert, with increased security measures expected around government officials.
The alleged assailant, named in local media as Slovakian Juraj Cintula, was detained at the scene, while no details have been released by police about a possible motive.
Handlova lies 150km northeast of the capital Bratislava.
59-year-old Fico was elected in September 2023, marking his fourth period as PM and ran on a campaign to end military support to Ukraine. He has opposed EU sanctions on Russia and the sending of arms to Kiev, saying the US and others should use their influence to bring about a peace deal.