Assassination attempt on Slovakia's Prime Minister stuns Europe
World leaders were left in shock after an attack in Slovakia on Wednesday afternoon. Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot following a government meeting in Handlova. "I strongly condemn the despicable attack" European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted.
Attack on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico prompts live updates
"I strongly condemn the vile attack on Prime Minister Robert Fico. Such acts of violence have no place in our society and undermine democracy, our most precious common good," von der Leyen shared on the X platform. She also expressed her sympathies toward Prime Minister Fico and his family.
The assault on the Slovak Prime Minister was further denounced on behalf of the European Parliament by President Roberta Metsola. "Shocked by the horrific attack on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Handlova," she expressed on social media.
European Council President Charles Michel supported Fico, stating on the X platform, "Nothing can ever justify violence or such attacks."
"I am deeply shocked by the news of the cowardly attack on Slovakian Prime Minister Fico. Violence must not be existant in European politics. In these hours, my thoughts are with Robert Fico, his family and the citizens of Slovakia.," commented German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Victor Orban posted a heartfelt message. "I was deeply shocked by the heinous attack against my friend, Prime Minister Robert Fico. We pray for his health and quick recovery! God bless him and his country!," he noted on X, offering prayers for Fico's quick recovery.
"The attack on Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico is appalling.," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy declared. He emphasized that we must strive to ensure violence doesn't become normalized in any country.
"Violence is intolerable and has no place in society," stated Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala.
Slovakia’s Prosecutor General comments on the Prime Minister's shooting
On Wednesday, during the annual Visegrad Group countries' Prosecutors General meeting in Lodz, Slovakia's Maroš Žilinka and Poland's Adam Bodnar were informed of Prime Minister Robert Fico's shooting.
"This is completely unacceptable. It reflects the toxic atmosphere present not just in Slovakia but across Europe. It's not only a show of hatred towards human life but also, I believe, an attack on the state itself," Žilinka stated.
Despite the attack, Prosecutor General Maroš Žilinka has chosen not to cut his visit to Poland short. Sources from Virtualna Polska indicate that the Slovak delegation plans to remain in Poland until Thursday for the Visegrad Group countries' Prosecutors General meeting in Lodz.
Details of the attack on the Slovak Prime Minister
The attack occurred on Wednesday. Eyewitnesses reported that Fico had just left the Culture House in Handlova, where a government meeting occurred. While he greeted people, several shots rang out. Security personnel quickly moved the Prime Minister to safety and rushed him to the hospital in a car.
The police secured the area, and the Culture House was evacuated. They also ensured the safety of other government members. TA3 television reports that the suspected attacker was apprehended and taken into custody by the police.
An official statement revealed that Robert Fico was shot multiple times and is currently in a life-threatening condition. "An assassination (attempt) on Prime Minister Robert Fico was carried out today at the government's off-site meeting in Handlova," the government office continues in a statement.
