U.S. Expresses Concern Over Erdogan's Guards 'Attacking' Protesters in Washington

Following reports of an attack by several security personnel accompanying Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Washington against a group of protesters opposing him outside the Turkish embassy, the U.S. State Department has stated that it has expressed its concerns 'in the most serious manner possible.' Heather Nauert, spokesperson for the State Department, said on May 17 that 'violence is never an appropriate response to free speech. We support the people's right to free speech and peaceful protest everywhere.' The spokesperson emphasized that Washington has 'shared its concerns in the most serious manner possible with the Turkish government.' Erdogan traveled to Washington for discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, but part of this visit was overshadowed by a march and protests from a number of demonstrators against Erdogan's policies and clashes between Erdogan's guards and the protesters. Several witnesses at the scene reported that during the protests outside the Turkish embassy in Washington, the guards accompanying the Turkish President in the U.S. crossed the line of U.S. police forces and 'attacked' some protesters 'with fists and kicks.' A spokesperson for the U.S. police described the clash involving Erdogan's guards as 'a violent attack on a peaceful protest.' The police stated that they are reviewing recorded footage of the incident and intend to identify suspects and conduct investigations. Reports indicate that two suspects - but not from Erdogan's entourage - have been arrested. Eleven people were also injured during the incident. The Washington Post reported that among those the police are conducting preliminary investigations on, some are armed guards of Erdogan. In addition to the U.S. State Department, several U.S. lawmakers have also expressed concern regarding the incident on Wednesday; including Ed Royce, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who stated that 'agents of foreign governments should never be immune from the judicial process stemming from their criminal behaviors.' The Turkish government has yet to respond to the events.