Slovakia's PM Fico in life-threatening condition after shooting
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was gravely injured in an attempted assassination after a cabinet meeting in Handlova, a town approximately 150 kilometres from Bratislava. The assailant reportedly fired four shots at Mr. Fico, with at least one striking the Prime Minister, leading to severe injuries. Following the incident, Mr. Fico was quickly transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment. Authorities have since detained the suspected gunman involved in the attack. The incident occurred as Mr. Fico was departing from a community centre in Handlova, where he had attended a cabinet meeting. According to witnesses, the Prime Minister was interacting with members of the public in what was described as a calm scene when the assailant commenced firing. Local media and social media posts indicate that Mr. Fico sustained injuries to his chest and head before being safeguarded by a group of bodyguards who facilitated his swift evacuation from the scene. Visual evidence from the scene has been circulating on social media, including footage showing the Prime Minister being assisted to his vehicle visibly in distress. A helicopter was then utilized to rush Mr. Fico to hospital care. The swift apprehension of the shooter by police was also captured in circulating videos, leading to the belief that the attack was carried out by a lone individual.