Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot during an assassination attempt after meeting with supporters in Handlova, a city about 112 miles from the capital of Bratislava. The failed assassin was in a crowd that had gathered outside the venue where Fico was speaking. Video of the assassination attempt shows that five shots were fired, striking Fico in the abdomen. He was airlifted to a hospital in Bratislava, and there is no official word on his condition.
This is the video of the assassination attempt.
Footage showing the moment of attack on Slovakia Prime Minister Robert Fico today. pic.twitter.com/UPGhI7t6wR
— Clash Report (@clashreport) May 15, 2024
In this video segment, you can see Fico's security detail, which is dragging him into his limousine.
SLOVAKIA
— Catholic Arena (@CatholicArena) May 15, 2024
Prime Minister Robert Fico has been shot in an assassination attempt.
Fico recently said that he considers himself to be Catholic. pic.twitter.com/3wJyXzMdFp
Here, the gunman is apprehended.
🇸🇰 Details on the assassination attempt on Slovakian PM Robert Fico:
— DD Geopolitics (@DD_Geopolitics) May 15, 2024
The shooter was hiding in the crowd that had gathered at the building where the Prime Minister was speaking. He fired from within the crowd, presumably 3-4 times.
He then tried to escape but was apprehended by… pic.twitter.com/jS3waHm9q0
Fico is a fixture in Slovak politics, having served as prime minister on two previous occasions (2006-2010 and 2012-2018). He was most recently elected in 2023. Fico is the leader of the left-populist Smer party. The party won the 2023 elections with 23 percent of the vote on a platform of ceasing aid to Ukraine and closer relations with Russia.
No information has been released on the identity of the gunman or possible motives.
[Post updated to clarify the number of shots fired at Fico and to insert video of the assassination attempt.]
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