Danish PM Attacked by a Knifeman in Copenhagen

On Friday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was attacked physically by a men with a knife in the capital, Cophenagen.

It happened in Kultorvet public square, his office said, adding that the man was arrested. The premier’s office did not add details about the attacker or more events, only assured that Frederiksen was shocked.

The attack was condemned by leaders around the world, claiming that “violence has no place in the European Union”.

“Mette Frederiksen is a committed leader, a wonderful person and a great friend. The attack suffered tonight is an attack against all those who believe in a Europe of freedom, tolerance and peace,” said Pedro Sánchez, president of the Spanish Government.

For his part the Portuguese Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, condemned the attack, “I strongly condemn this violent attack against a democratically elected leader”, added the head of the Government, who also expressed the support of the Portuguese people to the Danish “this difficult time”.

For her part, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, described the attack as “a despicable act, which goes against everything we believe in and fight for in Europe”. He continued to wish the prime minister strength and courage, saying she has a lot of both.

“Deeply shocked by the outrageous attack on my colleague and friend, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen,” said Latvia’s Prime Minister Evika Siliņa.

Mette Frederiksen, leader of Denmark’s centre-left Democratic Socialist Party, has been Prime Minister since 2019.