Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot and seriously injured in an assassination attempt on Wednesday. The attack occurred in the town of Handlova, northeast of the capital Bratislava, as Fico left a government meeting. He was shot multiple times and is in critical condition.
World leaders have expressed shock and condemnation, including US President Joe Biden, UK PM Rishi Sunak, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The suspected gunman was detained by police at the scene.
Biden called the shooting a “horrific act of violence” and expressed hopes for Fico’s swift recovery. Sunak described the news as “awful” and offered thoughts to Fico and his family. Zelensky condemned the “act of violence” and emphasized the need to prevent violence from becoming the norm.
Putin praised Fico’s courage and strong spirit, hoping these qualities would help him overcome this difficult situation. Guterres called the attack “shocking” and expressed solidarity with Fico and his loved ones.
The European Union condemned the violence, with EU chief Ursula Leyen stating that such acts undermine democracy. French President Emmanuel Macron and other world leaders also expressed shock and condemnation.
Fico was transported to a hospital in Banska Bystrica and remains in critical condition. The attack has sparked widespread concern and outrage, with leaders calling for peace and stability in the region.