Slovakia's Prime Minister Fico survives assassination attempt in suspected politically motivated attack after being shot multiple times.
Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico was hospitalized on Wednesday after enduring five gunshot wounds in what appears to be an assassination attempt, sending shockwaves across the nation.
The assault occurred following an off-site government gathering in the central Slovak town of Handlova. Reports from local media indicate that the assailant emerged from a small crowd outside the cultural center where the meeting was held, seemingly waiting to intercept the prime minister.
Footage from the scene depicts Fico being swiftly ushered into a vehicle by his aides, which then sped away to transport him to a nearby hospital. From there, he was airlifted to a major trauma center approximately 20 miles (30 kilometers) away in Banska Bystrica. Thankfully, no other casualties were reported.
Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák and Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok both labeled the attack as "politically motivated," with Šutaj Eštok indicating that the suspect's decision was potentially influenced by recent presidential elections.
Deputy Prime Minister Tomáš Taraba expressed cautious optimism about Fico's prognosis, stating that the surgery went smoothly and that his condition, while serious, was not deemed life-threatening.
In an interview with BBC's Newshour program, Taraba recounted his initial shock upon hearing the news of the shooting, but maintained hope for Fico's recovery.
According to Taraba, Fico sustained severe injuries, including a bullet passing through his stomach and another striking his joints.
Fico, holding the position of Slovakia's most influential legislator, wields considerable authority as the head of government, unlike the president, whose role is comparatively limited.
According to the official statement shared on Fico's official Facebook page, the decision to transport the Prime Minister to Banska Bystrica rather than the capital city of Bratislava was due to the urgent need for immediate medical intervention. Handlova, the location of the incident, is approximately a two-hour drive from Bratislava.
Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová confirmed that the suspected gunman has been apprehended by law enforcement authorities. She assured the public that additional information would be provided by law enforcement agencies in due course and urged against the dissemination of unverified rumors.
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