(Scypre.com) – In a shocking incident that has rocked the town of Handlova and reverberated around the world, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was critically injured in an assassination attempt outside a government facility. The attack occurred on a quiet Wednesday, sending ripples of disbelief and concern across international boundaries.
Prime Minister Fico, 59, sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was immediately transported to a local hospital in Handlova in a life-threatening condition. Despite the severity of his injuries, he remained conscious and was able to communicate upon arrival at the medical facility, as confirmed by government spokespeople during a press briefing.
The scene of the shooting was chaotic, with witnesses reporting several gunshots. Authorities responded promptly, apprehending a suspect on the spot. The identity and motives of the assailant have yet to be disclosed as investigations continue.
Slovakian President Zuzana Caputova addressed the nation, expressing her dismay and calling for calm. “I am shocked, we are all shocked by the terrible and malicious attack on Prime Minister Robert Fico,” President Caputova stated. She emphasized the broader implications of such violence, declaring, “A physical attack on the prime minister is not only an attack on a person but also on our democracy.” The president urged an end to the divisive and inflammatory rhetoric that she believes could lead to such acts of violence.
In her speech, President Caputova also asked for patience and prudence from the public as details about the incident continue to unfold. She highlighted the paramount importance of the Prime Minister’s recovery in these troubling times.
International reactions were swift and supportive. The U.S. Embassy in Slovakia, led by Ambassador Gautam Rana, issued a statement expressing horror and condemnation of the attack. “Our thoughts are with him, his family, and the Slovak people. We strongly condemn this attack and reject any form of violence,” the embassy stated, affirming the United States’ readiness to offer any necessary assistance.
President Joe Biden also voiced his condemnation and extended his personal thoughts. “Jill and I are praying for a swift recovery, and our thoughts are with his family and the people of Slovakia,” he remarked, echoing the sentiments of leaders worldwide.
Neighboring Czech Republic, sharing a border with Slovakia, showed solidarity through the words of Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala. “The news about the shooting of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is shocking,” Fiala said, underscoring the universal need to reject violence in society.
Prime Minister Fico, who assumed office in October 2023 and had previously led the country in various terms since 2006, has been a polarizing figure in Slovak politics. Notably, his recent stance against providing aid to Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia had sparked controversy. Slovakia, sharing an eastern border with Ukraine, has been a refuge for approximately 1.8 million Ukrainian refugees, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.
As Slovakia and the international community grapple with the ramifications of this attack, the focus remains on the recovery of Prime Minister Fico and the safeguarding of democratic values against the backdrop of violence and unrest.