Copenhagen, Denmark – The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, found herself the victim of an assault in central Copenhagen’s Kultorvet square. The incident, which left Frederiksen “shocked,” occurred on Friday evening, leading to the subsequent arrest of a 39-year-old man who allegedly assaulted her.
Frederiksen’s office confirmed the assault, stating that the Prime Minister was hit by the man on Kultorvet square. Police in Copenhagen also acknowledged the incident, mentioning that one person had been arrested and an investigation was underway to determine the motives behind the assault.
The assault on Frederiksen took place just two days before the European Union parliamentary elections in which Danes were set to cast their votes. While the attack was not linked to any campaign event, it sparked widespread condemnation from politicians both in Denmark and abroad.
Witnesses at the scene described the assault as a “strong push” that caused Frederiksen to fall to the side but not hit the ground. Following the incident, the man responsible attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended by security personnel.
Rattled by the assault, Frederiksen was escorted away by security, with witnesses recounting the scene as chaotic and unsettling. The attack prompted reactions from European leaders, with calls for solidarity and denunciation of violence in politics.
The incident underscores the growing concern over violence against politicians during election campaigns. Recent events in Germany and Slovakia have also highlighted the risks and challenges faced by public figures as they engage with voters.
As Denmark grapples with the aftermath of the assault on its Prime Minister, the country is left to confront questions about safety, security, and the nature of political discourse in an increasingly polarized world.