Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was attacked in an open street in central Copenhagen, her office confirmed. The incident took place at Kultorvet square in the city’s Old Town, where the Prime Minister was assaulted by a man who was subsequently arrested. While it is unclear if Frederiksen sustained any injuries, a barista working in the square mentioned seeing her looking “stressed” as she was escorted away by security following the attack.
The assault occurred just hours after Frederiksen visited a magazine with Christel Schaldemose, a Danish member of the European Parliament. The two parted ways around 5.30pm, and the attack is believed to have happened shortly after. The incident comes just two days before the EU elections in Denmark, with Frederiksen actively campaigning in recent weeks.
Politicians from across Europe have expressed shock and condemnation of the attack on social media. Danish Minister of Environment Magnus Heunicke stated that Frederiksen was naturally shocked by the incident, while Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo strongly condemned any form of violence against democratically elected leaders. Sweden’s Ulf Kristersson also voiced support for Frederiksen, calling the attack an assault on democracy.
This incident follows a recent assassination attempt on Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, who was shot five times at point-blank range last month. With Frederiksen’s attack occurring just before the EU elections, the political landscape in Denmark is tense as authorities investigate the motive behind the assault.