On May 15, 2024, Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico, faced a life-threatening situation when he was shot in an assassination attempt. The incident occurred in Handlová, Slovakia, outside the town’s House of Culture after a government meeting
The Attack:
- Fico was greeting a crowd outside the House of Culture when several gunshots were heard. He collapsed to the ground after being struck by five bullets.
- The assailant, Juraj Cintula, was captured by bystanders and detained by police. Fico was carried to Handlová Hospital and later airlifted to F.D. Roosevelt Hospital in Banská Bystrica.
- The shots hit Fico in the abdomen, head, and chest, leaving him in critical condition
The Suspect:
- Juraj Cintula, a 71-year-old man, was immediately detained. He legally possessed the firearm due to his private security job.
- The motive behind the attack remains under investigation, but it is suspected to be politically motivated
- Response:
- Domestic reactions were swift. Deputy Speaker of the National Council Ľuboš Blaha confirmed the shooting during a legislative session, which was later suspended.
- Zuzana Čaputová, Slovakia’s outgoing president, expressed shock and solidarity with Fico. Similar sentiments came from Michal Šimečka, leader of the opposition party Progressive Slovakia.
- Current Status:
- Fico is no longer in a life-threatening condition after undergoing emergency surgery
In summary, the attempted assassination of Prime Minister Robert Fico has shaken Slovakia’s political landscape. The investigation continues, and the nation awaits further updates on Fico’s recovery and the suspect’s motives
