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Slovak PM Robert Fico ‘out of immediate danger’ after assassination attempt

16.05.2024 10:00
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is reportedly out of immediate danger after surviving an assassination attempt that left him critically wounded.
A police officer walks at entrance at the F. D. Roosevelt University Hospital, where Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who was shot and injured, is treated in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia, 15 May 2024.
A police officer walks at entrance at the F. D. Roosevelt University Hospital, where Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who was shot and injured, is treated in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia, 15 May 2024.Photo: EPA/MARTIN DIVISEK

The incident occurred on Wednesday in Handlová, where Fico was shot at point-blank range by three bullets while meeting with supporters.

The assailant, identified unofficially as 71-year-old Juraj C., was quickly subdued by bodyguards as Fico was rushed to safety in a government limousine and later airlifted to a hospital. Defense Minister Robert Kalinak described the hours following the attack as Fico "fighting for his life" in surgery.

Despite initial concerns, Deputy Prime Minister Tomáš Taraba provided a more hopeful outlook, telling the BBC: “I guess in the end he will survive. He’s not in a life-threatening situation at this moment.” However, reports from Slovakian media suggest that Fico’s life may still be at risk as of Thursday.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear. The son of the suspected assailant told Aktuality, a Slovak news site, that he had "no idea" why his father would carry out such an act, noting that the firearm used was legally owned, and his father was not under psychiatric care.

(jh)

Source: IAR, PAP, BBC