Slovakia’s LGBTQ+ community are mourning the loss of two people following a shooting outside an LGBTQ+ venue in what is believed to be a hate crime.
Fatally killing two and injuring another, the suspected hate crime occurred in front of Tepláreň, a popular LGBTQ+ bar in Slovakia’s capital city, Bratislava.
According to the Associated Press, the gunman – who was found dead the following day (Thursday, 13 October), had written social media posts indicating he had anti-Semitic and anti-LGBTQ+ views, as well as posts about the shooting. The account was blocked Thursday.
Slovakian Prime minister Eduard Heger has since condemned the attack describing it as “unacceptable”, adding that no one should live in fear.
“It is unacceptable that anyone should fear for their life because of the way they live. I strongly condemn yesterday’s attack in which two people died. No form of extremism is allowed,” Heger explained.
Slovakian LGBTQ+ groups such as Duhovy PRIDE Bratislava, Iniciatíva Inakosť, Nomantinels Divadlo and Dúhové rodiny have also condemned the “unprecedented” attack releasing a joint statement on Facebook.
The groups reinforced the speculation that the fatal attack was motivated by “hatred” towards the LGBTQ+ community and described the victims of the shooting as “young” queer people that the gunman targeted because of their sexual orientation.
A march to honour the victims and support the families involved in the fatal attack has been scheduled for Friday, 14 October, outside Tepláreň.
