The Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico is in a critical state after being shot five times as he left a government meeting today, according to Slovakian news outlet TA3.
The suspected shooter has been apprehended, Slovakian President Zuzana Caputova confirmed in a press briefing, according to AFP.
A spokesperson from Hadlova Hospital, where Fico was first rushed before being transported by helicopter to Banska Bystrica for emergency treatment, told Reuters that the Prime Minister was conscious on arrival.
The Slovakian government office confirmed that he is in a life-threatening state.
A video shows an injured Fico being hastily carried into the back seat of a black car by four aides, as police subdue and handcuff the white male assailant.
According to the Slovak media Dennik N, information relating to Fico’s health is now under embargo.
The TV media Markiza reports that Fico has undergone a CT scan, and other unknown tests, and that mobile phones were taken from medical staff in the emergency room.
A statement posted on Robert Fico’s own Facebook page reads:
“R. Fico was targeted in a gun attack today. He was shot multiple times and is currently in a life-threatening condition. He is currently being transported by helicopter to Banská Bystrica, because it would take too long to get to Bratislava due to the necessity of an acute procedure. The next few hours will be decisive.”
Speaking to TV2, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen sent her thoughts to Robert Fico, his family and the Slovakian people.
“No matter how you look at it, an attack on an incumbent Prime Minister is an attack on our democracy, both national and European,” she said.
“It’s a very tragic situation.”
