Two Shot Dead Outside LGBTQ+ Bar in Slovakia

Two people have been killed and one wounded following a shooting outside an LGBTQ+ bar in Bratislava, Slovakia. After a manhunt overnight, police later found the body of who they suspect was the attacker.

Both men killed were in their 20s, one of whom worked at the venue. A third person is recovering in hospital after being wounded, with reports suggesting they also work there. The bar, Tepláren, is one of the few LGBTQ+ spaces in Bratislava, but police refused to comment on whether they believe the attack to be a hate crime.

Official information on the shooter’s motive has not yet been released, but local news sources have identified the attacker as the son of a former far-right political party candidate and found evidence of anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-Semitic views on his social media. Calls for an end to homophobia in Slovakia have been urged for in the public response to the shooting, including the legalization of same-sex marriage.

Following the attack, Slovakian Prime Minister Eduard Heger spoke out against the attack, condemning all methods of extremism. President Zuzana Čaputová took to Twitter to offer her condolences and show support for the LGBTQ+ community following the incursion.

“My thoughts are with the family & friends of the victims of yesterday’s horrific attack in Bratislava & everyone in the #LGBTIQ+ community affected by it.” She went onto reference the impact of hate in politics, warning of the damaging influence it can have.

Keep up to date with the latest myGnews

LGBTQ+ professionals, LGBTQ+ Graduates, LGBTQ+ professional network, LGBTQ+ professional events, LGBTQ+ networking events, LGBTQ+ Recruitment, LGBTQ+ Friendly organizations, LGBTQ+ Friendly companies, LGBTQ+ jobs