Danish authorities reported on Saturday that an attack on Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, which left her “shaken” and with a whiplash injury, is likely not “politically motivated”.
A 39-year-old Polish man, who was detained after striking the prime minister on Friday evening, has been remanded in custody until June 20. Prosecutor Taruh Sekeroglu informed the media that the motive behind the attack is still under investigation, though political reasons are not currently suspected.
The attacker is suspected of violence against a public servant and is considered a flight risk. Following the incident, Frederiksen was taken to a hospital for a check-up, where it was confirmed she sustained a minor whiplash injury. Her office stated she is otherwise safe but shaken, and her schedule for Saturday has been canceled.
During a court hearing on Saturday, a doctor’s statement described the defendant as mentally unstable and under the influence at the time of the attack. Danish media reported that the man was likely both intoxicated and under the influence of substances when apprehended. The man, however, denied committing a crime and could not recall his actions during the time of the incident.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attack, calling it “unacceptable” and wishing Frederiksen a speedy recovery. Witnesses Marie Adrian and Anna Ravn, who saw the attack, described the assailant as tall and slim. They noted that he tried to flee but was quickly subdued by security personnel.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from European leaders, including EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, who labeled the act as “despicable.” Frederiksen, Denmark’s youngest prime minister, has been in office since 2019 and was re-elected in 2022.
This attack on Frederiksen follows a series of assaults on politicians across Europe, including a recent attempt on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, highlighting growing concerns about political violence on the continent.
