Denmark PM Mette Frederiksen was left shocked and disoriented after being attacked while walking in the center of Copenhagen.
The Danish PM was said to have been walking in the city’s old town square on Friday evening when a man approached her and hit her, leaving her shocked and disoriented by the attack. The attacker was swiftly arrested, but there is no word yet on a motive.
What They Are Saying
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen called it a “despicable act, which goes against everything we believe in and fight for in Europe.”
Two witnesses, Marie Adrian and Anna Ravn, described the Copenhagen assault to the local newspaper BT, saying: “A man came by in the opposite direction and gave her a hard shove on the shoulder, causing her to fall to the side.” They said that while it was a “strong push,” the prime minister did not hit the ground and that she sat down at a nearby café to recover.
Mette Frederiksen’s office said that the incident had left the politician “shocked” and that she was suffering “minor whiplash.”
Danish Environment Minister Magnus Heunicke said on X: “Mette is naturally shocked by the attack. I must say that it shakes all of us who are close to her.” EU chief Charles Michel said on X that he was “outraged.” “I strongly condemn this cowardly act of aggression,” he said.
A 39-year-old man is due to appear at a hearing at the Frederiksberg Courthouse on Saturday afternoon in connection with the incident. The attack comes two days before Denmark votes in the EU election.
Why It Matters
Denmark is set to vote on Sunday, underscoring the critical importance of ensuring safety and security for public figures, especially in the lead-up to significant political events. This incident raises concerns about the potential impact of violence on democratic processes and highlights the need for robust protective measures for leaders to maintain public trust and stability.
Bottom Line
The assault on Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by public officials. As Denmark approaches its EU election, this incident underscores the necessity of safeguarding democratic institutions and ensuring the safety of those who lead them. The swift condemnation from European leaders reflects a collective commitment to upholding the values of democracy and the rule of law in the face of aggression.
