Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen encountered a disturbing incident on Friday when she was assaulted by a man in Copenhagens Kultorvet square. Her office confirmed the assault, stating that the assailant was subsequently apprehended. Frederiksen, described as shocked by the incident, did not sustain any immediate injuries, though further details were not disclosed.Assailant arrestedWitnesses Marie Adrian and Anna Ravn recounted seeing Frederiksen arrive at the square before 6 p.m., where the assailant approached and forcefully shoved her shoulder, causing her to stagger but not fall. Frederiksen then sought refuge at a nearby café. Law enforcement swiftly took the assailant into custody, describing him as tall and slim. Despite attempting to flee, he was quickly subdued. Witnesses observed him being held on the ground by a security service member.Condemned the assault While the Prime Ministers office confirmed the assault, no additional information was provided. Both Copenhagen Police and Denmarks national security and intelligence service acknowledged the incident without elaborating further. Expressing solidarity, Danish Environment Minister Magnus Heunicke conveyed Mettes shock at the attack, highlighting the profound impact it has on those close to her. EU leaders, including Charles Michel, Roberta Metsola, and Ursula von der Leyen, vehemently condemned the assault, stressing that violence has no place in politics and runs counter to European values.Mette FrederiksenMette Frederiksen is a Danish politician who has served as prime minister of Denmark since June 2019, leader of the Social Democrats since June 2015. The second woman to hold either office, she is also the youngest prime minister in Danish history, the first to be born after Margrethe IIs accesion to the throne, and the first to serve under Frederik X.
