Slovakia PM shooting: Latest updates as Robert Fico fighting for life after being shot ‘three times’ during attempted assassination as suspect is detained

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Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot and wounded in an assassination attempt this afternoon, shortly after leaving a meeting of parliamentarians.

Mr Fico was taken to hospital after being hit by bullets in the abdomen shortly after attending a government meeting in Handlova, about 150 kilometers northeast of the capital Bratislava.

Follow MailOnline’s live coverage for the latest developments on this breaking news story

Break:The suspect is a 71-year-old man

Slovak media reports that the suspect arrested after the shooting of the country’s Prime Minister Robert Fico is a 71-year-old man from Levice.

Sunak among world leaders to condemn the attack

World leaders, including Rishi Sunak, were quick to condemn the attack on Mr Fico.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also released statements on their social media accounts.

Break:Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is fighting for life after the shooting

Officials in Slovakia have said Mr Fico’s condition is life-threatening after he was shot several times earlier this afternoon.

In a statement to Denník N, a government spokesperson said:

He is currently being transported by helicopter to Banská Bystrica, as it would take too long to reach Bratislava due to the need for an acute intervention.

The next few hours will decide.

Read: Slovak Prime Minister ‘shot and injured and taken to hospital’

Read the latest news story from our reporter Taryn Pedler, constantly updated.

1715784090 874 Slovakia PM shooting Latest updates as Robert Fico fighting for

Slovakia PM shooting: Everything we know so far

FILE - Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico speaks during a press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the Carmelite Monastery in Budapest, Hungary, Tuesday, January 16, 2024. Slovak populist Prime Minister Robert Fico was injured in a shooting Wednesday, May 15, 2024 and taken to hospital .  (AP Photo/Denes Erdos, file)

Here’s what we know so far about the attempted assassination of the Slovak Prime Minister:

  • Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (above) is in a life-threatening condition in hospital after being shot several times in an assassination attempt this afternoon.
  • Mr Fico was taken to hospital after he was attacked outside the House of Culture in the town of Handlova, about 150 kilometers northeast of the capital.
  • The 59-year-old had attended a government meeting and was reportedly talking to people outside the building when the gunman opened fire.
  • A suspect was arrested at the scene
  • Slovak President Zuzana Caputova has said he is “shocked” as he condemned the “brutal and brutal” attack.

We will continue to bring you the latest developments

Good afternoon

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is shot and wounded and taken to hospital while the gunman is pinned to the ground as he tries to flee

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has been shot and wounded in an assassination attempt.

Mr Fico was taken to hospital after being hit by three bullets following a government meeting in Handlova, about 150 kilometers northeast of the capital Bratislava.

Follow MailOnline’s live coverage for the latest developments on this breaking news story.

Important updates

  • Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is fighting for life after the shooting

  • Read: Slovak Prime Minister ‘shot and injured and taken to hospital’

  • Slovakia PM shooting: Everything we know so far