Nine hurt, two detained in altercation at Turkish Embassy in Washington

WASHINGTON - The Associated Press

AFP photo

Nine people were hurt and two were detained during an altercation at the Turkish ambassador's residence in the U.S. capital on May 16, authorities have said.
      
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 at about 4:30 p.m. on May 16.
      
Metropolitan Police Department spokesman Dustin Sternbeck said the altercation broke out between two groups but he did not elaborate on the circumstances. He said two people were detained, including one who was charged with assaulting a police officer.

According to Voice of America, the altercation occurred between pro-Kurdish protesters and supporters of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in front of Ambassador Serdar Kılıç’s residence. Video shot by Voice of America also showed men in suits identified as Erdoğan’s bodyguards joining the melee.

The altercation came the same day that Erdoğan met U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.  

The State Department declined to comment.