“We express to the Slovak people our feelings of solidarity and support for this deplorable act undermining their democracy and the rule of law,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Shortly after the attack, media reports claimed the perpetrator was a 71-year-old man arrested by police at the scene of the attack.

The suspect, identified by the police, comes from southern Levice, and fired four to five shots, hitting his victim in the sternum and extremities, according to TV Joj.

According to his cabinet, Fico is in critical condition.

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