Danish Prime Minister Attacked in Copenhagen
A 39-year-old Polish citizen has been remanded in custody following an unprovoked attack on the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, last Friday. Authorities have confirmed that the attack was not politically motivated, describing it as an isolated and spontaneous act.
The incident occurred in a square in Copenhagen, where Frederiksen was struck on the arm and pushed by the suspect. The Prime Minister, visibly shaken, was treated for mild whiplash at the Kingdom Hospital in Copenhagen. Her planned engagements for the following day were subsequently canceled.
Witnesses to the event, Marie Adrian and Anna Ravn, recounted seeing the Prime Minister trip to the side following a strong push. Although she did not fall, Frederiksen took refuge in a nearby café soon after. The attacker attempted to flee the scene but was quickly apprehended by security personnel.
During his court hearing, the attacker denied remembering the incident but expressed his admiration for Frederiksen, describing her as a 'very good' Prime Minister. He was clearly under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of the attack, which may have contributed to his erratic behavior.
Reactions and Support
The attack has provoked widespread condemnation and messages of support for the Prime Minister. French President Emmanuel Macron, President of the European Council Charles Michel, and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola were among the prominent figures condemning the incident. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also labeled the act as 'despicable' and against European values.
Mette Frederiksen, who has been Denmark's youngest Prime Minister since 2019, securing re-election in 2022, has received support from the Danish government and leaders of major local political parties. Despite her tough stance on immigration, Frederiksen remains a respected figure both domestically and internationally.
- The attacker, described by witnesses as tall and thin, attempted to run away but was swiftly intercepted and subdued by security personnel. Kasper Jorgensen, another onlooker, detailed how the security forces handled the suspect, who appeared confused and dazed during his arrest.
- In the wake of the incident, security measures for public officials in Denmark are expected to be reviewed and potentially tightened to prevent such occurrences in the future. The police continue to investigate the attack, although they have reiterated that it was not a premeditated assault.
- This incident follows a worrying trend of attacks on political figures across Europe, highlighting the risks faced by public officials. Just this month, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was the target of a similar attack, underscoring the need for enhanced security protocols.
