Bratislava, Slovakia – Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico is in critical condition after an assassination attempt that took place following an off-site government meeting in Handlova. Fico was shot multiple times and swiftly transported to a major trauma center in Banska Bystrica, about 20 miles away, for urgent medical care. The incident has shocked the nation, with Fico’s official Facebook page confirming the severity of his condition.

The suspected gunman was promptly detained at the scene by law enforcement officers, as Slovakia’s state news agency TASR reported. President Zuzana Čaputová denounced the attack as “brutal and reckless,” offering her support and well wishes for Fico’s recovery. Fico, who won a third term as prime minister last October, has been known for his critical stance on western support for Ukraine and close ties to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Fico’s history as Slovakia’s prime minister spans more than a decade, with his tenure marked by both acclaim and controversy. In 2018, he was compelled to resign amidst widespread protests following the murders of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancée, Martina Kušnírová. This tragic event shed light on corruption within Slovakia’s elite circles, implicating individuals linked to Fico and his political party SMER.

European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Hungarian Prime Minister Orban, have condemned the attack on Fico, underscoring the need to uphold democratic values and denounce acts of violence. As the situation continues to evolve, updates on Fico’s condition will be awaited anxiously by the international community.

As the world watches the developments in Slovakia, the motives behind the assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico remain unclear. The nation grapples with the aftermath of this shocking event, hoping for Fico’s swift recovery and seeking justice for the heinous attack that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape.