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Slovakia’s prime minister Robert Fico has been injured in a shooting and rushed to hospital, according to reports.
The incident took place in the town of Handlova, some 150 kilometres north east of the capital Bratislava, after a government meeting.
A suspect has been detained, with dramatic images showing a man handcuffed on the ground.
The shooting occurred in front of the local House of Culture, where Fico came to meet with supporters.
A reporter for the daily newspaper Dennik N heard shooting and then saw rescuers carrying the Fico, a well-known Putin ally, to a car.
“I was just going to shake his hand,” said a man, who witnessed the shooting and did not wish to be named. His wife added that she had heard three or four shots and said: “When the shots rang out, I almost became deaf.”
Deputy speaker of parliament Lubos Blaha confirmed the incident during a session of Parliament and adjourned it until further notice.
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.”
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