The Slovak prime minister is no longer in mortal danger and will “survive” after being shot five times in a “politically motivated” assassination attempt, his deputy has claimed.
Robert Fico, 59, was attacked by a gunman while greeting supporters in Handlova, northeast of the capital Bratislava, following a Slovak government meeting.
In images published by the Slovak media RTV Prievidza, the shooter, Juraj Cintula, 71, from Levice, can be seen waiting at a barrier for the prime minister to approach before taking out his weapon.
But when exactly did the incident occur and what has been revealed since it occurred?
Continue reading below for the full timeline of the shooting of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Graphic depicting the events following the shooting of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Complete timeline of the shooting of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico
Wednesday May 15
Fico, 59, is shot in Handlova, northeast of Bratislava, after a Slovak government meeting as he greeted adoring crowds.
In images published by the Slovak media RTV Prievidza, Juraj Cintula, 71, from Levice, could be seen waiting at a barrier for the prime minister to approach before taking out his gun.
In a message posted on Fico’s Facebook page, his staff said he was shot multiple times and was “currently in a life-threatening condition.”
They said they would transfer him to Banksa Bystrica because he needed urgent surgery.
Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok suggested during a news conference outside the hospital treating Fico that preliminary information “clearly” points to a “political motivation.”
Robert Fico was said to be in “life-threatening condition,” according to a message posted on his Facebook following yesterday’s attack.
Speaking before Fico’s surgery, Defense Minister Robert Kalinak said there is “no good news at this time” and that he had put his trust “in the hands of medical specialists”, while appealing to the public to “pray “for Fico’s recovery.
Kalinak went on to say that “no one wants a Slovakia like this” and that he cannot “find the words” for the “madness” being witnessed.
World leaders send messages of support to Fico
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala responded to the attack on X, formerly Twitter, posting: ‘The news about the shooting of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is shocking.
‘I wish the prime minister to recover as soon as possible. We must not tolerate violence, it must have no place in society.’
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also shared a message for X, conveying his shock following the gun attack.
‘Surprised to hear this terrible news. “All our thoughts are with Prime Minister Fico and his family,” he wrote.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelensky said: “The attack on Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico is appalling.
‘We strongly condemn this act of violence against the head of government of our neighboring country. Every effort must be made to ensure that violence does not become the norm in any country, form or sphere.
“We sincerely hope that Robert Fico recovers soon and express our solidarity with the people of Slovakia.”
Thursday May 16
Robert Fico pictured talking to people before the cabinet session outside House in the town of Handlova, Slovakia.
Slovakia’s Deputy Prime Minister Tomas Taraba reveals Fico is no longer in a life-threatening condition and will “survive” after being shot five times.
He told the bbc that Mr. Fico “is not in a life-threatening situation at this time.”
“As far as I know, the operation went well and I assume he will survive in the end.”
Taraba added that Fico was shot “from very close range” and that “one bullet passed through the stomach and the second hit the joint.”
Fico has served as Prime Minister of Slovakia since September 2023, having returned to power after previously serving from 2006 to 2010 and 2012 to 2018.