On Wednesday evening two young men under the age of 30 died and one woman was injured after a shooting in Bratislava. The suspect fled the scene. The police deployed a helicopter, dogs and even a boat during the ensuing manhunt and on Thursday morning, they reported they had found the shooter dead. Media outlets reported that about five hours before the shooting, the attacker had posted a 65-page document. It is a racist manifesto against Jews and LGBTI people, in which the author calls for violence against these communities. The attacker wrote about himself that he was born in July 2003 and is of Slovak origin. Police are investigating suspicions that the double murder was committed with the legally owned gun of the attacker’s father. Public figures as well as politicians expressed condolences and condemned the attack. Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová wrote on social media that the hatred towards minorities, fed for a long time also by the stupid and irresponsible statements of politicians, has cost innocent human lives. She urged public figures not to incite intolerance with their statements and for judicial authorities to take action. Prime Minister Heger said at the press conference that it is unacceptable for someone to lose their life just because they are part of the LGBTI community. He quoted passages from the Constitution on freedoms and equality at the press conference. He urged society not to succumb to fear.
Source: TASR
