Mon May 6, 3:20 PM ET
By MARCEL VAN DE HOEF, Associated Press Writer
HILVERSUM, Netherlands (AP) - Right-wing Dutch politician Pim Fortuyn, whose anti-immigration party stunned the public with its strong showing in local elections last March, was shot six times and killed Monday as he left a radio interview.
Dutch television said the 54-year-old politician was shot in the head, neck and chest. The attack came nine days before national elections, and opinion polls had predicted Fortuyn would lead one of the largest parties in parliament.
Prime Minister Wim Kok confirmed Fortuyn's death.
"After this assassination, Pim Fortuyn is gone," Kok said in The Hague after breaking off a campaign engagement in the western city of Haarlem. "This is a deep tragedy. I am shocked. This is a deep tragedy for those close to him, for his loved ones and for our country and our democracy."
The radio reporter who interviewed Fortuyn said police with dogs chased and captured a man with a gun. Other witnesses said the gunman was chased by at least four people after the shooting. Police had no immediate comment.
It was the first time in modern history that a Dutch political leader was assassinated. "These are things you thought were just not possible in the Netherlands," said Ad Melkert, new leader of the ruling Labor Party and its candidate for prime minister. "It's a low-point for our democracy."
