World leaders condemned on Wednesday the shooting of Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico.

The 59-year-old PM is reported to be in “life-threatening condition” after being shot four times following a cabinet meeting in Handlova.

Robert Fico

Security officers move Slovak PM Robert Fico in a car after a shooting incident, after a Slovak government meeting in Handlova, Slovakia, May 15, 2024. REUTERS/Radovan Stoklasa TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

“An assassination (attempt) on Prime Minister Robert Fico was carried out today at the government’s off-site meeting in Handlova,” said the government office.

Fico was initially taken to a local hospital and was conscious on arrival. According to CNN, the Slovak president was later transported by helicopter to a trauma center in Banska Bystrica.

“Shocked by the heinous attack against the Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico. Such acts of violence have no place in our societies. I wish him a speedy recovery,” said Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis via his X (former twitter) account.

The EU and NATO allies have expressed their shock and condemnation of the assassination attempt.

“Such acts of violence have no place in our society and undermine democracy, our most precious common good. My thoughts are with PM Fico, his family,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

“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,” said Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to Slovakia’s state news agency TASR, a suspect has been detained.

Robert Fico