Slovak PM Fico critical after assassination attempt

Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, faced a life-threatening ordeal as he was shot and injured in an attempted assassination on Wednesday, as confirmed by the government office.

The 59-year-old leader was swiftly taken to a hospital in Handlova, following a government meeting in the area. He was then airlifted to Banska Bystrica for urgent medical attention, highlighting the severity of his injuries.

According to a witness from Reuters, the chilling incident unfolded with the sound of gunfire shortly after the Handlova meeting concluded. Law enforcement officers swiftly took control of the situation, detaining one individual while escorting another away in a vehicle.

A statement from the government office outlined the gravity of the situation, stating, "An assassination (attempt) on Prime Minister Robert Fico was carried out today at the government‍‍`s off-site meeting in Handlova."

Emergency services received reports of the shooting shortly after 2:30 p.m. local time, prompting an immediate response. A 59-year-old patient, later confirmed to be Prime Minister Fico, was airlifted for medical assistance.

Initial reports suggested that four shots were fired during the incident, resulting in the leftist leader sustaining injuries to the abdomen.

The attack garnered widespread condemnation, with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, expressing solidarity and denouncing the violence. "Such acts of violence have no place in our society and undermine democracy, our most precious common good. My thoughts are with PM Fico, his family," stated von der Leyen.