Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico
Slovak newspaper Denik In reported that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico had been shot dead. There is no update yet on his condition, but it is said that he was taken to the hospital by helicopter.
The shooting took place in the town of Handlova in the Trencin region, according to local television station TA3, which also reported that the suspect in the shooting had been arrested.
Witnesses say the shooting came after a government meeting while he was receiving crowds outside. There were 3-4 shots, after which he fell to the ground. One report said he was shot in the chest and abdomen.
Scene shot by Robert Fico
There is no information on the motive, but Fico has been controversial in Europe for his soft support for Ukraine, saying that the only way to end the war was for Ukraine to give up some of its territory. He also opposes Ukraine's membership in NATO.
Fico took power last October and stopped government military aid to Kiev and opened channels of communication with Russia.