US arrest warrants issued for members of Turkish leader's security team over embassy melee

Police say they've issued arrest warrants for a dozen Turkish security agents accused of taking part in a violent altercation
Thursday, 15 June 2017 19:45

US authorities said on Thursday they have issued warrants for the arrest of 12 security aides to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accused of assaulting protesters during a street brawl in Washington.

Washington Police Chief Peter Newsham announced the 12 were, - nine agents, three Turkish police officers and two Canadians- identified in detailed video footage of the May 16 attack on Kurdish and Armenian protesters outside the residence of Turkey's ambassador, following a meeting between Erdogan and President Donald Trump.

The authorities have already charged several others, including two Americans and two Canadians, with taking part in the violent skirmish.

"We all saw the violence that was perpetrated against the protesters," Newsham said. "We're not going to tolerate this."

The clash happened as Erdoğan arrived at the ambassador's residence after a White House meeting with President Donald Trump on May 16.

Video of the protest showed security guards and some Erdoğan supporters attacking a small group of Kurdish and Armenian protesters with their fists and feet. Men in dark suits and others were recorded repeatedly kicking one woman as she lay curled on a sidewalk. Another wrenched a woman's neck and threw her to the ground. A man with a bullhorn was repeatedly kicked in the face.