Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was assaulted in central Copenhagen on Friday, but walked away unharmed, according to a local resident. The incident left Frederiksen shocked and with a minor whiplash injury. Her official events for the following day were canceled.
The assailant, a 39-year-old man without ties to Denmark, was arrested and sentenced to 12 days in custody. Authorities believe the attack was not politically motivated.
The assault, which occurred just before the European Union election, prompted condemnation from leaders worldwide. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and EU leaders expressed their support for Frederiksen.
In response to the incident, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen stated, “I condemn this despicable act which goes against everything we believe in Europe.”
The assault on Prime Minister Frederiksen is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by leaders in maintaining public safety and security in today’s political climate.