On May 15, 2024, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot multiple times during a public event in the central Slovak town of Handlová. The assailant, identified as a 71-year-old man, was quickly apprehended by police. Fico, who sustained serious injuries, underwent emergency surgery and remains in critical but stable condition.

The incident has sent shockwaves through Slovakia and the broader European community. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, labeling it an assault on democracy. The Interior Minister of Slovakia, Matus Sutaj Estok, described the attack as politically motivated but conducted by a "lone wolf" unassociated with any political groups.

In the wake of the shooting, the already tense atmosphere for journalists in Slovakia has deteriorated further. Independent media outlets have reported an increase in threats and harassment, with some journalists facing severe online abuse and death threats for years. This environment has been exacerbated by derogatory rhetoric from political figures, contributing to a widespread distrust of the media.

Media rights organizations, such as Reporters Without Borders, have called for immediate action to protect journalists and de-escalate the hostile political discourse. Despite the government's assurances of increased security for at-risk groups, there are concerns that forthcoming legislation could further undermine media independence. Proposed changes include an overhaul of the public broadcaster RTVS, potentially placing it under tighter government control, and new regulations on journalistic ethics and political interactions.

Local journalists express a mix of fear and resolve, recognizing the critical role of the press in navigating this turbulent period. Beata Balogova, Editor in Chief of the Sme daily newspaper, warned that new government measures could impose "brutal" restrictions on the media. Meanwhile, newsrooms are taking extra precautions to safeguard their staff as they continue to cover this significant moment in Slovak history.