Bratislava, Slovakia - The assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico has been upgraded to a terror attack investigation, elevating it from attempted murder. This reclassification underscores the severity of the incident, which left Fico critically injured.
Juraj Cintula, identified as the assailant, has been charged with premeditated attempted murder and detained. The General Prosecutor's office spokeswoman, Zuzana Drobova, confirmed the reclassification as a particularly serious crime of terror attack.
Fico sustained severe injuries from four close-range gunshots during a government meeting outside Bratislava on May 15. He underwent extensive surgeries in Banska Bystrica and has since been receiving home treatment in the capital.
The Prime Minister leads a three-party coalition government, comprising his centrist populist Smer-SD party, the centrist Hlas, and the far-right SNS. The investigation into the assassination attempt continues, focusing on its motive and potential links to terrorism.
