On May 15, 2024, during an ordinary workday, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico unfortunately suffered a shooting incident after attending a cabinet meeting. The attack occurred in the central Slovak town of Handlova, approximately 150 kilometers northeast of the capital, Bratislava.
Slovak Prime Minister Shot, Currently in Stable Condition
On May 15, 2024, during an ordinary workday, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico unfortunately suffered a shooting incident after attending a cabinet meeting. The attack occurred in the central Slovak town of Handlova, approximately 150 kilometers northeast of the capital, Bratislava.
According to eyewitnesses, Prime Minister Fico was leaving the meeting venue to shake hands with the crowd when an unidentified male suddenly pulled out a gun and fired several shots at him. Prime Minister Fico sustained serious injuries to his abdomen, arms, and legs. Fortunately, security personnel on the scene responded quickly, subdued the attacker, and handed him over to the police who arrived shortly after.
After the incident, the Slovak government immediately activated its emergency mechanisms and dispatched a helicopter to transport Prime Minister Fico to a hospital in Banská Bystrica for emergency treatment. After several hours of surgery, Prime Minister Fico's injuries were stabilized.
The identity of the attacker was quickly identified as a 71-year-old man who claimed to be a writer from the western town of Levice and the founder of a literary club. The man possessed a gun license and had previously worked as a security guard at a private security company. According to initial investigations, the man disagreed with the Slovak government's policies and the stance of state-owned media, but the specific motive is still under further investigation.
The incident has attracted widespread international attention. Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová posted on social media, expressing shock and the strongest condemnation of the attack, while wishing Prime Minister Fico a speedy recovery. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and other political leaders from various countries have also issued statements condemning the attack and expressing condolences to Prime Minister Fico.
Slovak Interior Minister Roman Mikulec stated in a press conference that the initial judgment suggests that the attack was politically motivated and urged the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unconfirmed information. At the same time, the government will strengthen security measures to ensure the safety of government officials and the public.
This shooting incident involving the Slovak Prime Minister once again reminds us that political security and social stability are the cornerstones of national development. Countries should strengthen cooperation to jointly combat terrorism and extremism, safeguarding world peace and stability.