Slovak police conducted a search of the home belonging to the man accused of shooting and seriously injuring Prime Minister Robert Fico, according to local media reports. The alleged gunman, accompanied by officers, was seen wearing a bulletproof vest and helmet during the search of his apartment in the western town of Levice, as shown in footage aired by Markiza TV.
The search lasted for several hours, during which police seized a computer and documents from the apartment, according to the private broadcaster. While police declined to comment on the ongoing investigation, media outlets have identified the suspect as 71-year-old writer Juraj Cintula.
Cintula was charged on Thursday with attempted premeditated murder in what authorities have labeled as a politically motivated attack. The incident occurred on Wednesday as Prime Minister Fico was addressing members of the public in the central town of Handlova after a meeting.
Witnesses described how Fico was greeting the crowd when the gunman fired a series of shots in quick succession. Security personnel swiftly escorted Fico to safety, and he was subsequently airlifted to a hospital in Banska Bystrica, where he underwent a five-hour emergency surgery to save his life.
President-elect Peter Pellegrini provided an update on Fico’s condition, stating that while the Prime Minister is able to speak briefly, he becomes exhausted quickly. Pellegrini noted the critical nature of the situation and announced that a medical council would convene on Monday to determine the next course of action for Fico’s treatment.
Pellegrini also revealed that Fico remained conscious following the shooting and expressed surprise at the speed of the attack. The incident has raised concerns about potential further violence in Slovakia, particularly with European Parliament elections looming on the horizon.
