Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico narrowly survived a shocking shooting attack, resulting in the arrest of a 71-year-old suspect now facing charges of attempted murder.

The attacker, whose identity has not been officially released but is reported to be from Levice, could face a life sentence for the attempt on Fico’s life. Slovak media identified the shooter as a former shopping mall security guard and poet, but this remains unconfirmed by authorities.

Prime Minister Fico, 59, is in serious but stable condition after being shot multiple times in what officials describe as a politically motivated attack.

Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok stated that the suspect acted alone, driven by dissatisfaction with the recent presidential election, won by Peter Pellegrini, an ally of Fico. "This is a lone wolf whose actions were accelerated after the presidential election," he said.

The incident occurred in broad daylight on Wednesday, as Fico was shot five times in the stomach and arm amidst a crowd of supporters. His security detail, caught off guard, quickly evacuated him to a hospital by air ambulance, where his injuries were deemed life-threatening.

Fico was later transferred to a specialized facility in Banska Bystrica, where medical teams worked through the night to stabilize him. Miriam Lapunikova, director of the F.D. Roosevelt University Hospital, reported that Fico underwent five hours of surgery by two teams to treat multiple gunshot wounds.

She confirmed his condition as stable but serious, noting he had been moved to intensive care. "At this point, his condition is stabilized but truly very serious. He will be in the intensive care unit," she said.

Peter Pellegrini, visibly shaken, expressed his support for Fico, visiting him and noting that Fico could speak a few sentences despite his exhaustion due to medication. "The situation is very critical, and we have to give him a lot of energy and be positive," Pellegrini said.

This shooting marks the first major assassination attempt on a European political leader in over 20 years. In response, police have increased security at Slovakia’s parliament, media offices, and schools.