Bratislava, 15 May 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico is in life-threatening condition following a shooting attack, the TASR news agency reported, citing a government statement.

The shooting took place after a Cabinet meeting in the town of Handlová.

Witnesses told the TA3 news channel that at least four shots were heard near the House of Culture in Handlová when Fico went outside after the meeting to mingle with people and shake hands. One shot hit him in the chest.

Video from the scene showed people dragging the politician into his limousine to take him to safety.

The police announced that the attacker had been taken into custody.

TASR said a helicopter had been dispatched to recover the injured politician and take him to hospital.

Leaders across the European Union and the head of NATO expressed their horror at the shooting.

MIA file photo