Copenhagen, Denmark – Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was left stunned after being attacked in the street in Copenhagen, according to her office. The assault occurred on a city square where a man approached her and physically assaulted her.
The incident sparked outrage across Europe, with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen condemning the attack as a “despicable act.” The attacker was promptly arrested.
Authorities in Copenhagen reported that a man had been taken into custody in connection with the assault, but have not disclosed any further details regarding the motive behind the attack. Witnesses to the incident, Marie Adrian and Anna Ravn, described the assault to a local newspaper, recounting how the man aggressively shoved the Prime Minister.
Despite the shock of the incident, Frederiksen did not sustain any serious injuries and was able to compose herself at a nearby café. The attack occurred just two days prior to Denmark’s upcoming elections for the EU Parliament.
Frederiksen, who assumed office as Prime Minister in 2019, is the leader of the Social Democrats party. The party remains the largest in Denmark’s coalition government, though their support has waned in recent months. Danish Environment Minister Magnus Heunicke expressed his shock and concern for Frederiksen, echoing the sentiments of many who know her closely.
Outrage over the attack has extended to the international community, with EU chief Charles Michel condemning the incident as a “cowardly act of aggression.” Frederiksen, at 46 years old, became the youngest Prime Minister in Danish history, taking the helm after leading the Social Democrats for four years. Her leadership was not without controversy, as US President Donald Trump once referred to her as “nasty” following a political disagreement.
The investigation into the attack is ongoing as authorities work to determine the motives behind the assault on the Danish Prime Minister.