9 hurt, 2 arrested in altercation at Turkish Embassy in DC
Scuffles reportedly between Kurdish-American activists and embassy personnel amid Erdogan visit to Washington
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WASHINGTON — Authorities said Wednesday nine people were hurt and two arrests were made during an altercation at the Turkish ambassador’s residence in the US capital.
Doug Buchanan, a DC Fire and EMS spokesman, said two of those hurt were seriously injured and were taken to hospitals by ambulance. He said by phone that emergency personnel were called to the residence about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Metropolitan Police Department spokesman Dustin Sternbeck said the altercation broke out between two groups but he didn’t elaborate on the circumstances. He said two people were arrested, including one who was charged with assaulting a police officer.
Social media reports said the altercation was between Kurdish-American activists and Turkish security personnel.
Footage of Turkish security raiding against Kurdish-Americans in front of the @TurkishEmbassy in DC. So disturbing. pic.twitter.com/5WYtDzDs5O
— Samira Ghaderi (@Samira_Ghaderi) May 17, 2017
The altercation came the same day that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with President Donald Trump at the White House. The State Department declined to comment.
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
The Times of Israel Community.