Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico Awake and Communicative After Assassination Attempt

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico is conscious and able to communicate following the attempted assassination against him. The alleged gunman has assisted police in searching his car and home for evidence. President-elect of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini has met with Fico and confirmed that he did not lose consciousness during or after the attack. Fico remembers being shot, evacuated to the hospital, and receiving treatment. He underwent a five-hour surgery to save his life and is now in stable condition. The 71-year-old suspect charged with attempted murder has confessed to the crime and is cooperating with authorities. There is controversy surrounding the response of Fico’s security team during the attack. Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok has defended the actions of the protection officers and stated that no mistakes were made. The investigation into the assassination attempt is ongoing.