- Biden condemns ‘horrific act of violence’
- Shooting suspect believed to be 71-year-old former security guard
Robert Fico is in a life-threatening condition, Slovakia’s government office has said.
He is being airlifted to Banska Bystrica Hospital, it said, as transport to the capital of Bratislava would take “too long”.
Earlier, a spokeswoman for Handlova Hospital, where Mr Fico received initial treatment for gunshot wounds, said he was conscious when arrived there.
The suspect alleged to have shot Robert Fico four or five times as the Slovak prime minister left a government meeting is believed to be a 71-year-old former security guard.
Thomas Verniek, a reporter for Slovak news channel TA3, told Sky News that the man was part of a crowd of people who approached Mr Fico after he left the House of Culture in the town of Handlova.
He said the suspect addressed Mr Fico as Robo – a shortened version of Robert – before proceeding to shoot him multiple times.
The suspect was then pinned to the ground by police while the prime minister’s security guards rushed Mr Fico to his car.
“We know the attacker was a senior former security guard, but that is all we know right now,” Mr Verniek said.
He said the suspect’s motivations remain unknown, but there was a planned rally in Slovakia tonight to protest the controversial overhaul of the country’s radio and TV services.
That protest has now been cancelled by its organisers.
Vladimir Putin has called the shooting a “monstrous” crime which has “no justification”.
In a telegram to outgoing Slovak President Zuzana Caputova, the Russian leader said: “I know Robert Fico as a courageous and strong-minded man.
“I very much hope that these qualities will help him to survive this difficult situation.”
Mr Putin wished Mr Fico “a speedy and full recovery.”
Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden joined the list of world leaders condemning the attack on Robert Fico, saying in a statement that he was “alarmed” by the attack and said he and his wife Jill were “praying for a swift recovery”.
“Our thoughts are with his family and the people of Slovakia.
“We condemn this horrific act of violence. Our embassy is in close touch with the government of Slovakia and ready to assist,” Mr Biden said.
@Sky News
