Slovakia shooting: Thousands attend vigil outside Bratislava bar

Mourners place candles and flowers at a makeshift memorial in downtown Bratislava.

Thousands of LGBTQ+ activists and allies attended a vigil to honour the victims of a shooting in Slovakia.

Two men were killed and a woman was injured after a gunman opened fire on Wednesday (12 October) evening in front of a Bratislava LGBTQ+ bar named Tepláreň.

Police identified the two victims on Friday (14 October) as 23-year-old Matus H, and 26-year-old Juraj V. Radoslava T, who is believed to have worked at the venue, is currently recovering in hospital after her leg was injured.

The Inakosť Institute – which organised the vigil – estimated that at least 20,000 people attended to mourn the men’s deaths and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

Slovak president Zuzana Caputova gave a speech during the event, saying: “I’m sorry that our society was not able to protect your loved ones.

“You belong here, you are valuable for our society,” she added as the crowd chanted to thank the president.

PinkNews