Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen Attacked in Copenhagen

By Caroline Ameh

Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, on Saturday was reportedly assaulted while walking in the center of Copenhagen, leaving her shocked and with minor whiplash injuries.

The incident occurred in a square in the city’s old town when an unidentified man approached the politician and struck her. The attacker was swiftly apprehended, but authorities have not disclosed a motive for the assault.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen denounced the attack as a “despicable act” that contradicts European values.

The assault on Frederiksen follows a recent attack on another European leader. Just weeks ago, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico survived a shooting incident where he was targeted by assailants.

Witnesses Marie Adrian and Anna Ravn described the assault to local newspaper BT, stating that the man forcefully shoved Frederiksen on the shoulder, causing her to stagger but not fall to the ground. Frederiksen sought refuge at a nearby café to recover from the shock.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s office confirmed Frederiksen’s condition, stating that she was “shocked” and suffering from “minor whiplash.”

The suspect, a 39-year-old man, is scheduled to appear in court on Saturday afternoon in connection with the attack.

The assault comes just two days before Denmark’s scheduled EU election. Frederiksen, leader of Denmark’s Social Democrats, had been actively participating in campaign events with her party’s lead candidate, Christel Schaldemose.

The Social Democrats, although leading in polls, have experienced a decline in support in recent months.

Danish Environment Minister Magnus Heunicke expressed solidarity with Frederiksen, stating, “Mette is naturally shocked by the attack. I must say that it shakes all of us who are close to her.”

European Union chief Charles Michel condemned the attack, describing it as a “cowardly act of aggression.”

Mette Frederiksen, 46, assumed office as Prime Minister in 2019, becoming the youngest prime minister in Danish history after leading the center-left Social Democrats for four years.

Frederiksen gained international attention in 2019 when she clashed with former US President Donald Trump over his proposal to purchase Greenland, which she dismissed as “absurd.” Trump retaliated by calling her “nasty.”

In 2022, Frederiksen faced criticism over her government’s decision to cull millions of minks during the Covid-19 pandemic, following an investigation by a commission.