Copenhagen: Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was attacked by a man on Friday evening in a central Copenhagen square, according to her office. The man involved in the incident was subsequently arrested.
In a statement to AFP, the prime minister’s office conveyed that Frederiksen was “shocked by the incident” but did not elaborate further. “Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was hit by a man Friday evening on Kultorvet in Copenhagen. The man was subsequently arrested,” the statement read.
This attack follows a series of recent assaults on politicians in Europe, notably ahead of the upcoming EU elections. Earlier in May, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico survived an assassination attempt after being shot four times at close range during a public event in Handlova. Fico underwent two major surgeries and is recovering.
Eyewitnesses Marie Adrian and Anna Ravn recounted the event to BT newspaper, stating they saw Frederiksen arrive at the square around 6:00 pm (1600 GMT). They described how a man approached from the opposite direction and forcefully shoved Frederiksen on the shoulder, causing her to stumble. Although Frederiksen did not fall to the ground, the witnesses reported that she continued to a nearby cafe.
The assailant, described as tall and slim, attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended by security personnel. The incident drew swift condemnation from European leaders. EU chief Charles Michel and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola both denounced the attack. Metsola urged Frederiksen to “stay strong,” emphasizing that “violence has no place in politics.” Michel expressed his outrage, calling it a “cowardly act of aggression.” EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also condemned the assault, labeling it a “despicable act” that contravenes European values.
Copenhagen police confirmed the incident but withheld additional details. “We have one person arrested in the case, which we are now investigating. At this time, we have no further comments or remarks on the case,” they stated.
Danish Environment Minister Magnus Heunicke expressed his dismay, saying, “It shakes all of us who are close to her. Something like this must not happen in our beautiful, safe, and free country.”
