Daily Mail reported that Slovakian Prime Minister Fico, aged 59, is critically injured after being shot by a 71-year-old assailant in Handlova shortly after a government meeting.
Immediately following a government meeting in Handlova, Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot by Juraj C, a 71-year-old man, triggering widespread condemnation from global leaders.
In the small town of Handlova, northeast of Bratislava, the Prime Minister had just concluded a public engagement at the House of Culture when disaster struck. As Fico engaged with the gathered crowd, the attacker opened fire, hitting him in the stomach and arm.
Quick Response on Scene
Security forces were swift to act, apprehending the gunman at the site of the attack. Images circulated in media showed Juraj C handcuffed, his face bloodied, a testament to the quick response of the security personnel.
The severity of Prime Minister Fico’s injuries prompted immediate medical attention; he sustained three gunshot wounds and was transported by air to a hospital in Banska Bystrica for urgent surgery.
Throughout Slovakia and beyond, the attack sent shockwaves. Prime Minister Robert Fico, who had previously led the country in various capacities and commenced his current term in September 2023, is a notable figure in Slovak politics.
Global Leaders Shocked, Rally Support
Peter Pellegrini, the President-elect of Slovakia, expressed his alarm over the assault, highlighting its broader implications on national security. “An assassination attempt on the Prime Minister is a threat to everything that has adorned Slovak democracy so far,” he articulated.
Internationally, leaders voiced their dismay and extended solidarity. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala echoed sentiments of support and condemnation of violence through his social media channels. Joining him, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Ukraine’s Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelensky also conveyed their concerns and well-wishes.
Here from the leader of Progressive Slovakia, Michala Šimeček:
We strongly condemn this act of violence against our neighboring partner state's head of government. Every effort should be made to ensure that violence does not become the norm in any country, form, or sphere. We sincerely hope Robert Fico recovers soon and express our solidarity with the people of Slovakia.
The gathered eyewitnesses provided chilling accounts of the incident. The rapid gunfire interrupted what was a peaceful interaction, turning an ordinary political appearance into a scene of chaos and fear.
Community Reels, Awaits Answers
As investigators delve into the incident, the motive behind Juraj C’s drastic actions remains unclear. The community and the nation await answers, hoping for clarity and justice in this baffling case of violence against a prominent political figure.
Witness accounts further illustrate the suddenness and the severity of the attack, disrupting what had been an anticipated public interaction with the Prime Minister.
An eyewitness preparing to greet the Slovakian PM recounted the shocking moment when gunfire erupted, describing the noise as almost deafening. Additionally, it was reported that someone in the crowd shouted, "Robo, come here!" just before the shots were fired.
Conclusion
The shooting of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico by the elderly gunman Juraj C has drawn sharp condemnation from both domestic and international figures. The attack not only left the Prime Minister critically injured but also shook the political landscape of Slovakia and raised questions about the safety and security of public officials. The world now watches as Slovakia navigates through this critical period, hoping for a speedy recovery for Prime Minister Fico and a swift resolution to this violent incident.
