Slovakia PM shooting: Latest updates as Robert Fico fighting for life after being shot ‘three times’ during attempted assassination as ’71-year-old suspect’ is detained

Slovakia’s President Zuzana Čaputová has called for an end to hateful rhetoric as she described the shooting of the country’s Prime Minister as an ‘attack on democracy’

I am shocked. We are all shocked by the terrible and malicious attack on Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Something happened, a seriousness that we probably can’t even comprehend yet. A physical attack on the Prime Minister is primarily an attack on a person, but also an attack on democracy. Any kind of violence is absolutely unacceptable.

The hateful rhetoric we witness in society leads to hateful acts. Please let’s stop it!

The police have arrested the perpetrator and will surely bring more information when possible. Please, let’s not make snap judgments until then. And let’s think about the most important thing, and that’s the only thing at this moment, that Róbert Fico recovers as soon as possible.

European leaders have condemned the attack on Mr Fico following the shooting earlier today.

Here is some of the reaction we can bring you:

Volodymyr Zelenskyy (pictured), Ukrainian President

The attack on Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico is appalling.

We strongly condemn this act of violence against our neighboring partner state’s head of government. Every effort should be made to ensure that violence does not become the norm in any country, form, or sphere.

We sincerely hope Robert Fico recovers soon and express our solidarity with the people of Slovakia.

Donald Tusk, Polish Prime Minister

Shocking news from Slovakia. Robert, my thoughts are with you in this very difficult moment.

Petr Pavel, Czech President

The attack on Robert Fico is unequivocally reprehensible, whatever the motivation. It should be a warning to us about how far the deepening of animosity and aggression in society can lead. I wish Robert Fico to come out of this incident without consequences.

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General

Shocked and appalled by the shooting of Prime Minister Robert Fico. I wish him strength for a speedy recovery. My thoughts are with Robert Fico, his loved ones, and the people of Slovakia.

These photographs show Robert Fico being transported to hospital after he was shot in an attempted assassination in Handlova earlier today.

Slovakian media has reported that opposition MPs and journalists have been blamed for Mr Fico’s shooting by his political colleagues amid tensions in the country’s Parliament.

Mr Fico (pictured) was shot multiple times earlier today after he attended a government meeting in in the town of Handlova, some 150 kilometres north east of the capital Bratislava.

According to Slovakian newspaper Dennik N, otherwise known as Diary N, one of Mr Fico’s Smer colleagues Richard Glück told opposition MPs it was their fault while Slovak politician blamed journalists, referring to them as ‘disgusting bastards’

We can now bring you video of a eyewitness recounting how she heard three gunshots before Mr Fico fell to the ground.

Slovakia’s foreign minister Juraj Blanár has confirmed there has been a ‘violent attempt’ to kill the country’s Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Here are some pictures capturing the attempted assassination of Robert Fico in Slovakia earlier today.

The imges include the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Mr Fico being transported to hospital where he remains in critical condition and a suspect being detained by police.

Here’s a brief rundown of Robert Fico – the Slovakian Prime Minister fighting for his life in hospital:

• Robert Fico is a 59-year-old politician and current Slovakian Prime Minister. He is currently in his third premiership having already served 2006 to 2010 and from 2012 to 2018.
• Mr Fico founded the Direction – Social Democracy party, known as Smer, in 1999 and has led the group since its inception.
• Described as a populist amid comparisons with Donald Trump, Mr Fico has campaigned against immigration and LGBTQ+ rights.
• His return to power last year was perceived as bad for Ukraine with Mr Fico believing the US and other nations should use their influence to force Russia and Ukraine to strike a compromise peace deal.
• Mr Fico has previously opposed sanctions against Russia imposed by the European Union and has lodged objections to Ukraine joining NATO.

Slovakian media are reporting the suspect detained following the shooting of the country’s Prime Minister Robert Fico is a 71-year-old man from Levice.

World leaders including Rishi Sunak have been quick to condemn the attack on Mr Fico.

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

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

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

At this moment, he is being transported by helicopter to Banská Bystrica, because it would take too long to get to Bratislava due to the necessity of an acute intervention.

The next few hours will decide.

Read our reporter Taryn Pedler’s breaking news story which will be constantly updated.

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

• Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (above) is in hospital in a life-threatening condition after he was shot multiple times this afternoon in an assassination attempt.
• Mr Fico was taken to hospital after he was attacked outside the House of Culture in the town of Handlova, some 150 kilometres north east of the capital
• The 59-year-old had attended a government meeting and was reportedly speaking to people outside the building when the gunman opened fire.
• A suspect was detained at the scene
• Slovakia’s President Zuzana Caputova has said he is ‘shocked’ as he condemned the ‘brutal and ruthless’ attack

We will continue to bring you the latest developments

Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico has been shot and wounded in an assassination attempt.

Mr Fico was taken to hospital after he was struck by up to three bullets following a government meeting in Handlova, some 150 kilometres north-east of the capital Bratislava.

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