At least three people were killed and four were injured in a shooting at a bar in Bratislava that had become a gathering place for members of the LGTBI community. The incident unfolded in the capital of Slovakia on a Wednesday afternoon, marking a tragic moment for a neighborhood known for its nightlife and cultural diversity.
The assailant, identified in initial reports as a young man named Juraj K, was found dead near the Ministry of Education’s headquarters after apparently taking his own life earlier on Thursday morning, according to police statements. The sequence of events suggested a rapid attack followed by the perpetrator’s suicide, with investigators focusing on forensic and behavioral analysis to determine motive and any potential accomplices (Police statement).
Authorities indicated that two of the fatalities occurred outside the bar, which its owners described as a place that serves as a local hub for the LGBTQ+ community in central Bratislava. In the immediate aftermath, the shooter’s actions were described as the culmination of a violent episode that overwhelmed witnesses and responders, prompting a swift security response from law enforcement and emergency services (Public safety agencies).
In the days leading up to the event, observers noted the suspect had posted messages on social media that appeared to reflect homophobic rhetoric and neo-Nazi tones. The content raised concerns about the growing visibility of hate speech and its potential to escalate into real-world violence, prompting discussions among policymakers, civil society groups, and residents about safeguarding vulnerable communities and countering extremist propaganda online (Social media monitoring reports).
Slovak Prime Minister Eduard Heger condemned the killings and urged the country to stand against hatred. He stated that society should strive to end hatred and affirmed that personal safety should not be a matter of chance. He acknowledged the difficult times facing the nation while emphasizing resilience and unity in the face of crime and intolerance (Prime Minister’s Office release).
European leaders joined in expressing condolences and solidarity. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered condolences to the families of the victims and underscored the European Union’s commitment to fighting hate crimes and protecting LGBTQ+ communities. In a social media message, she urged continued efforts to safeguard respect and tolerance across member states, highlighting the importance of collective action against hate speech and violence (European Commission official communications).
Maros Sefcovic, the Vice President of the European Commission, also commented on the tragedy, calling it a painful moment for the country and stressing a common stance against all forms of hatred. He reiterated that the EU stands with communities affected by hate crimes and reaffirms a shared responsibility to promote safety, dignity, and inclusion for everyone (European Commission remarks).