Following the attempted assassination of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, authorities conducted a search of the suspect’s home in western Levice. The suspect, 71-year-old writer Juraj Cintula, was present at the apartment during the search. According to Markiza TV footage, police officers were seen carrying a bulletproof vest and helmet into the residence. The search reportedly included the seizure of a computer and documents.
Despite media identification of the suspect, police have declined to release his name due to the ongoing investigation. Cintula has been charged with premeditated attempted murder in what authorities have described as a politically motivated attack.
Prime Minister Fico remains hospitalized in critical condition after undergoing emergency surgery. President-elect Peter Pellegrini stated that Fico is able to speak in short sentences but experiences extreme fatigue. A medical council is scheduled to meet on Monday to determine the next steps for Fico’s treatment.
The shooting incident has raised concerns about the potential for further violence amid the country’s political polarization. With European parliament elections approaching, the attack has heightened tensions within Slovakian society.
