Czech opposition leader Andrej Babiš struck with metal crutch at campaign rally
Former prime minister taken to hospital and discharged after attack; suspect detained and police open investigation
Andrej Babiš, the leader of the ANO party and a former Czech prime minister, was struck in the head with a metal crutch during an election rally in Dobrá and was taken to hospital for tests before being discharged, party officials and police said.
The incident occurred at a campaign event in Dobrá, about 376 km (234 miles) east of Prague. Aleš Juchelka, an MP who was with Babiš at the rally, said the ANO leader was hit in the head several times. A woman present at the rally, who has not been identified, was also treated in hospital for injuries related to the same incident.
Czech police said officers at the rally detained the suspect "immediately after the attack". In a brief statement on X, police said the matter was being investigated as "disorderly conduct," and that the probe could be widened depending on findings. Authorities did not immediately disclose the suspect's identity or a motive.
Babiš was taken to hospital by car and underwent a CT scan; doctors subsequently discharged him, according to party officials. The ANO party said the attack has been widely condemned but blamed the current government for fostering a climate of hostility through what it called a campaign of hatred "in billboards and social media." The government's response to those accusations was not immediately available.
Babiš is heading the ANO party's list of candidates for the upcoming October general election. He has served previously as prime minister and remains a prominent — and polarizing — figure in Czech politics. Attacks on political figures are uncommon in the Czech Republic, and the incident is likely to draw heightened attention as parties campaign ahead of the vote.
Police confirmed investigators were continuing inquiries at the scene and were collecting witness statements. Prosecutors and police will determine whether to upgrade the charge from disorderly conduct to a more serious offense as evidence, including medical reports and witness testimony, is reviewed.
Political parties and public figures issued condemnations following the attack, while the detained suspect awaited questioning. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities said they would provide further details as they become available.