Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico reportedly injured in shooting
Bratislava, Slovakia — Media reports said Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico was injured in a shooting Wednesday and taken to a hospital. The incident took place in the town of Handlova, some 90 miles northeast of the capital, according to the news television station TA3. A suspect has been detained, it said. A spokesman for Slovakia’s Interior Ministry called it an assassination attempt, according to CBS News’ partner network BBC News.
Deputy speaker of parliament Lubos Blaha confirmed the incident during a session of parliament and adjourned the legislature until further notice, the Slovak TASR news agency said.
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The incident took place in front of the local House of Culture, where Fico came to meet supporters. Police sealed off the scene and photos from the scene showed at least one man being taken into custody.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Thousands have repeatedly rallied in the capital and across Slovakia to protest Fico’s policies.
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Slovak President Zuzana Caputova condemned “a brutal and ruthless” attack on the premier.
“I’m shocked,” Caputova said. “I wish Robert Fico a lot of strength in this critical moment and a quick recovery from this attack.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Source: cbsnews.com