Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was assaulted by a man in Copenhagen,  a statement from her office read.

The incident occurred Friday evening on Kultorvet, a public square in Copenhagen, where the man struck Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen before being apprehended by authorities.

"Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was hit by a man Friday evening on Kultorvet [public square] in Copenhagen. The man was subsequently arrested," the prime minister's office said.

Frederiksen's office expressed shock at the incident but did not provide details about any injuries sustained during the altercation.

In response to the distressing event, Minister of Environment Magnus Heunicke called for national unity, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding one another, regardless of political differences or election campaigns.

"Something like this must not happen in our beautiful, safe and free country," Heunicke said on X. "This is ugly and unacceptable. Let's show that Denmark is much better."

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina also expressed solidarity with Frederiksen, condemning the attack and wishing her a speedy recovery.

"Deeply shocked by the outrageous attack on my colleague and friend, Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen," Silina said in a post on X. "All our thoughts are with you and your loved ones. Wishing you a speedy recovery," she added.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the attack as a "despicable act, which goes against everything we believe in and fight for in Europe." She offered words of strength and courage to Prime Minister Frederiksen, describing her as a leader with ample reserves of both.

The incident unfolded against the backdrop of Denmark's upcoming participation in the European Union elections, adding an additional layer of significance to the event.

Frederiksen, a prominent figure in Denmark's political landscape, has led the center-left Socialist Democratic party since 2019, assuming the role of prime minister. The attack on Frederiksen comes amidst heightened concerns surrounding political violence, notably underscored by the recent assassination attempt on Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Analysts and lawmakers have pointed to a growing sense of political polarization across Europe, reflecting an increasingly volatile climate within the continent's political sphere.

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