٠٠:٠٠:٢٢Mandatory credit: RTV Prievidza
Footage captured on Wednesday shows Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico being attacked by a gunman outside the Handlova House of Culture. The assailant, identified as a 71-year-old suspect, fired several shots at Fico during a meeting with locals. Fico's bodyguards quickly intervened, attempting to thwart the gunman's assault.
Amidst the chaos, emergency vehicles rushed to the scene, and a helicopter was spotted airlifting Fico to safety. The suspect was swiftly detained following the attack. As investigations unfold, Slovakia remains on high alert, grappling with the repercussions of this brazen assassination attempt on its leader.
The alleged assailant, named in local media as 71-year-old Slovakian Juraj Cintula, was detained at the scene, while no details have been released by police about a possible motive.
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.
Slovakian Defense Minister Robert Kalinak reported that the PM had been for three and a half hours in surgery, saying that his condition is 'very complex.' "We are singularly focused on the health of Robert Fico," he also stated.
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.
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 attack - Shocking moment PM shot, wounded as 71-year-old suspect grabbed by security
Footage captured on Wednesday shows Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico being attacked by a gunman outside the Handlova House of Culture. The assailant, identified as a 71-year-old suspect, fired several shots at Fico during a meeting with locals. Fico's bodyguards quickly intervened, attempting to thwart the gunman's assault.
Amidst the chaos, emergency vehicles rushed to the scene, and a helicopter was spotted airlifting Fico to safety. The suspect was swiftly detained following the attack. As investigations unfold, Slovakia remains on high alert, grappling with the repercussions of this brazen assassination attempt on its leader.
The alleged assailant, named in local media as 71-year-old Slovakian Juraj Cintula, was detained at the scene, while no details have been released by police about a possible motive.
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.
Slovakian Defense Minister Robert Kalinak reported that the PM had been for three and a half hours in surgery, saying that his condition is 'very complex.' "We are singularly focused on the health of Robert Fico," he also stated.
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.
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.
Mandatory credit: RTV Prievidza
Footage captured on Wednesday shows Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico being attacked by a gunman outside the Handlova House of Culture. The assailant, identified as a 71-year-old suspect, fired several shots at Fico during a meeting with locals. Fico's bodyguards quickly intervened, attempting to thwart the gunman's assault.
Amidst the chaos, emergency vehicles rushed to the scene, and a helicopter was spotted airlifting Fico to safety. The suspect was swiftly detained following the attack. As investigations unfold, Slovakia remains on high alert, grappling with the repercussions of this brazen assassination attempt on its leader.
The alleged assailant, named in local media as 71-year-old Slovakian Juraj Cintula, was detained at the scene, while no details have been released by police about a possible motive.
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.
Slovakian Defense Minister Robert Kalinak reported that the PM had been for three and a half hours in surgery, saying that his condition is 'very complex.' "We are singularly focused on the health of Robert Fico," he also stated.
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.
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.