Slovakian newspaper Dennik N reports that Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has been shot. There's no update yet on his condition but he's reportedly been taken to hospital in a helicopter.
His official Facebook page says:
"An assassination attempt was committed on Robert Fico today. He was shot multiple times and is currently in a life-threatening condition. At the moment, he is being transported by helicopter to Banská Bystrica, as going to Bratislava would take too long given the need for urgent intervention. The next few hours will be decisive."
The shooting took place in the town of Handlova in the Trencin region, according to local television station TA3, who also reported that the suspect in the shooting has been detained.
Witnesses say the shooting came after a government meeting as he was greeting crowds outside. There were 3-4 shots, after which he fell to the ground. One report said he was hit in the chest and stomach. Another said in the chest and head.
N Magazine spoke to two people who were near Robert Fico when he was shot. “I was just going to shake his hand,” a man said. “When the shots rang out, I almost went deaf,” said another eyewitness, who did not want to give her name. She heard three or four shots. She saw Fico fall to the ground in front of her and says she noticed bloody wounds on his chest and head. He can't say how serious.
A video from just after the attack shows him being lifted by his bodyguards and put in a car as the suspect is surrounded.
There is no word on motive but Fico has been controversial in Europe for his soft support for Ukraine, saying that the only way to end the war is for Ukraine to give up some of its territory. He's also opposed to NATO membership for Ukraine.
Fico came to power last October and halted state military aid to Kyiv and opened communication channels with Russia.
Update: TA3 reports that Fico is conscious and in stable condition after surgery.