Danish Prime Minister Attacked at Copenhagen Square During European Parliament Election

Left the seat on foot immediately after the attack
"An attack on democracy"

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark was attacked by a man in Copenhagen Square, according to major foreign media reports on the 7th (local time).

The Danish Prime Minister's Office stated in a press release, "Prime Minister Frederiksen was struck by a man on Friday evening at Kultorvet in Copenhagen," adding, "The man was subsequently arrested." They also said, "The Prime Minister was shocked by the incident."

The identity and motive of the attacker, as well as the condition of Prime Minister Frederiksen, have not been disclosed.

A resident at the scene reported that the Prime Minister walked away immediately after the assault. There were no visible signs of injury externally. Another witness said that the Prime Minister was escorted by security guards right after the attack and appeared to be somewhat stressed.

The Copenhagen police announced via X (formerly Twitter) that one person had been arrested and an investigation is underway, but they did not reveal detailed circumstances of the incident.

Danish state news agency Ritzau and public broadcaster DR also reported the incident but did not provide specific details about how the assault occurred or whether there was any political motive.

European political leaders expressed shock at the news. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said, "An attack on a democratically elected leader is also an attack on our democracy." Charles Michel, President of the European Council, wrote on X, "I am angry. I strongly condemn this cowardly act of violence." Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, called it a "horrible event" and stated, "There is no place for violence in politics."

The incident occurred amid the European Parliament elections, which began on the 6th of this month and will continue for four days across the 27 EU member states. Recently in Germany, a member of the Bundestag was assaulted at a campaign event. Attacks on politicians have been increasing, including a local council candidate being attacked with a weapon.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was also recently discharged from the hospital after being in critical condition following a shooting by a man dissatisfied with government policies on the 15th of last month.

(From left) Bjarni Benediktsson, Prime Minister of Iceland; Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark; Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Norway; Ulf Kristersson, Prime Minister of Sweden; Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of Finland.
[Image source=Yonhap News]