Forensic journalism. A message to a president who knows nothing of the value of the Fourth Estate. This happening in your own front yard??? Scholars will be number-crunching the implications of this, where politicians will simply leave it up to their PR pools to process it through the politically-correct wringers. Is this not an attack on America in the immediate wake of a presidential pact to his people of 'America First'? I guess it also translates as putting Trump and Hillary in the same basket with the way in which Americans are treated at home and ambassadors abroad...and blithely ignoring it. As one of your commentators has said, they don't feel safe at home any more. Well that all started with 9/11...and none of us feel safe at home any more. This Turkish assault on American soil to me is a manifestation of a global view of a President who reveals fundamental flaws in leadership and resolve every time he opens his mouth. Before a Soviet contingency he refers to an FBI head holding a hallowed position as a 'nut-job' typifying a fundamental misunderstanding of the rules of detente and home-security. Thank God for insight articles as this, sending a salient message of the value of journalism, ever-defying elected princes in its quest to satisfy exactly what a community expects...it's 'right to know'.
5
Utterly shocking and infuriating that this has occurred, and is being tolerated, in our nation's capital. Although some DC officers eventually came to the aid of defenseless people being brutally beaten, overall their response was far too passive to the point of being shocking. DOJ must prosecute. Our democracy cannot survive without the rule of law.
7
Suppression of peaceful protests, as well as curtailment of rights and freedoms is the norm for Erdogan and his regime. The coup has just emboldened him to act with an iron fist.
Erdogan has two objectives vis a vis the US: stop the sale of arms to kurdish fighters, and extradite the cleric alleged to be behind the coup. He didn't get either (so far), so somehow it's okay for his thugs to attack peaceful protesters on American soil.
Erdogan is a corrupt ruler who wants to reign over Turkey for as long as possible. At home he has instituted a purge that is affecting everyday people like teachers and other civil servants and homemakers. And during a trip abroad he feels threatened enough by a handful of peaceful protesters to unleash his thugs against them. This has "paranoid and desperate" written all over it.
Erdogan is hungry to hold onto power by any means necessary. That will harm Turkey long term. And we will have another unstable country to juggle.
Erdogan has two objectives vis a vis the US: stop the sale of arms to kurdish fighters, and extradite the cleric alleged to be behind the coup. He didn't get either (so far), so somehow it's okay for his thugs to attack peaceful protesters on American soil.
Erdogan is a corrupt ruler who wants to reign over Turkey for as long as possible. At home he has instituted a purge that is affecting everyday people like teachers and other civil servants and homemakers. And during a trip abroad he feels threatened enough by a handful of peaceful protesters to unleash his thugs against them. This has "paranoid and desperate" written all over it.
Erdogan is hungry to hold onto power by any means necessary. That will harm Turkey long term. And we will have another unstable country to juggle.
2
Time to end diplomatic immunity. When in Rome...
2
Thanks, New York Times, for this thoroughly analysis. Have never seen something like this. Keep up the good work!
4
At this point it's an absolute scandal that there have been no severe consequences. This is simply unacceptable! Where is the action?
The Turkish prime minister should not be allowed back into the country until this is resolved.
Great piece of investigative journalism from the NYT.
The Turkish prime minister should not be allowed back into the country until this is resolved.
Great piece of investigative journalism from the NYT.
5
The USA has been disgraced! President Trump, you are truly weak in allowing this to go unpunished.
5
From the facts you report, it is clear that the entire incident began when the bodyguards of Prime Minister Erdogan attempted to clear the way for the Prime Minister's limousine to approach the building:
"After speaking with Mr. Erdogan, Mr. Kose talked into his earpiece, and three security personnel who were guarding the president’s car hurried toward the protest. The brawl began moments later, and one of these men, a heavy-set bald man, appeared on video punching and kicking people."
What precisely occurred as the bodyguards approached the protesters is not reported, but a reasonable assumption is that they asked the protesters to withdraw and allow the limousine to pass and the protesters did not comply.
If this is the case, it casts an entirely different light on the incident: that it was an attempt by Turkish security forces to defend their country's chief executive.
"After speaking with Mr. Erdogan, Mr. Kose talked into his earpiece, and three security personnel who were guarding the president’s car hurried toward the protest. The brawl began moments later, and one of these men, a heavy-set bald man, appeared on video punching and kicking people."
What precisely occurred as the bodyguards approached the protesters is not reported, but a reasonable assumption is that they asked the protesters to withdraw and allow the limousine to pass and the protesters did not comply.
If this is the case, it casts an entirely different light on the incident: that it was an attempt by Turkish security forces to defend their country's chief executive.
Good job putting this together. Now, lock 'em up!
4
The Turkish state owned media company Anadolu Agency (AA) shows a film of the events where a woman on the protesters side steps into the street and throws what looks like a bottle of water at the Turkish supporters across the street, hitting someone. This they claim was a provocation. In the video it does appear as if the plastic bottle is thrown, however to go in and kick people in the head and throw them on the ground is crazy. They obviously have no decency. This incident should be investigated and these thugs should not be allowed back into the USA.
Our president has allowed members of a foreign government to come here and attack American citizens and he has not done or said anything about it. Our president is a coward. And how does an officer see someone kick a woman in the head right in front of them and they still won't make an arrest.
4
This is an outrage and shows that Erdogan holds the United States in absolute contempt. We should prosecute everyone involved to the fullest extent and respond forcefully to any uncooperative behavior by the Turkish government.
This would be an excellent opportunity for the White House to issue a strong response and to demonstrate that it is standing up for American citizens. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case.
This would be an excellent opportunity for the White House to issue a strong response and to demonstrate that it is standing up for American citizens. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case.
7
Every single one of these cowards who remain in the US should be arrested, charged and tried. All others should be declared persona non grata.
4
Thanks, NYT. Fascist guards of foreign fascist leaders batter American citizens in America's capital without having to fear any consequences. What a mess. Finally, I understand what "Make America Great Again" actually means.
8
I'm a naturalized American citizen and have lived in the U.S.A. for 20+ years. As I was watching the video I felt cold rage over this incident. How can thugs from a foreign country attack my fellow citizens and have zero consequences?
Does everyone feel the same?
Now, let's pray that at no point in the future will we see foreign troops in our cities "liberating" us in the name of Democracy. Their soldiers raping our women and getting away with a slap in the wrist. Their drones bombing our homes and killing our children. Imagine how THAT feels...
Does everyone feel the same?
Now, let's pray that at no point in the future will we see foreign troops in our cities "liberating" us in the name of Democracy. Their soldiers raping our women and getting away with a slap in the wrist. Their drones bombing our homes and killing our children. Imagine how THAT feels...
4
I suspect the reaction of the Turkish regime will be an immediate investigation to determine why some of the guards failed to participate in the beatings.
3
Despite the great investigative journalism and public outcry, our government won't respond to this situation for one simple, sad reason; our strategic relationship with Turkey is more important than the rights of US citizens [in the eyes of the current administration, at least].
3
Erdogan has a perfect reading of President Donald Trump's psychological and political profile.
The Turkish president knows the direction where the political wind is blowing in DC nowadays. The Trump administration will take no action against such flagrant aggression against peaceful Turkish demonstrators.
Of course, a strong diplomatic note condemning the aggression was issued immediately by the State Department.
The Turkish president knows the direction where the political wind is blowing in DC nowadays. The Trump administration will take no action against such flagrant aggression against peaceful Turkish demonstrators.
Of course, a strong diplomatic note condemning the aggression was issued immediately by the State Department.
4
Kudos to the nytimes, Impressive analysis. Feels like I am getting a debriefing from a intelligence agency.
1
It is not so easy as many may think, Because it is not a A1 matter and as such a matter of US law but a matter of PIL. There was an embassy. Remermber Teheran. Or Bengazy. Embassies dont have the right on everything as recently in Germany and the Netherlands but they have the right of selfdefebnse. And insofar they are not bound by A1 but by rthe diplomatic sustoms. Which customs do the US want? Peacefull relations? With some gravitas? The Turks did know what to do without Erdogans command. This was Turkey in action.
It's clear now what kind of people our current president likes to associate himself with. Lawless gangsters who beat people with impunity. His support for Turkish violent criminals on a diplomatic visit, fawning calls to the Philippine presidential thug, and his shout out to the newly elected Montana bruiser all indicate that he's a man of no peaceful intentions. A classless brute with no respect for anyone is who we have now as the leader of the "free world."
5
If only Erdogan's thugs were black American teens. Then Jeff Sessions would be all over it!
5
This is great analysis. Turkey is a brutal dictatorship, and this behavior should not be tolerated on our soil. Their embassy staff should all be expelled as retribution. They were a once-useful ally in countering the Russian presence in the Middle East, but they are beginning to outlive their usefulness.
24
That analysis just describes the facts of the batte. And usefullne4ss is not a question of the day. Erdogan knows very well what he is worth. You cant stop diplomacy because two people have different opinions.
This story deserves FAR more attention than it's received. Thank you NY Times for your detailed analysis; I hope that it serves as a catalyst for other news organizations. It should go without saying that it's beyond unacceptable that our "president" invites a dictator to the oval office, lavishes praise on him, and then remains silent as his men proceed to beat up American citizens only 1 mile from the White House. In any other time, this story would be front page news for days and there would be serious consequences. But under 45, this story has to compete with the daily onslaught of outrages coming from the White House and the GOP.
9
Endrogan thugs attack Americans in broad daylight in front of U.S. police and they get away with it. Greg Ginaforte body-slams a reporter to the ground and is rewarded by being elected to Congress within hours. Trump rudely shoves aside a head of state to grab the limelight and gets away with it. This is the new normal and is applauded by right-wing supporters.
Right-wing politics at home and about is quickly entering into the ideology and violence of outright fascism. This is the ongoing battle between barbarism and civilization itself. Fascists loudly claim to be the saviors of civilization while they aggressively demolish its pillars of civility and human rights.
Right-wing politics at home and about is quickly entering into the ideology and violence of outright fascism. This is the ongoing battle between barbarism and civilization itself. Fascists loudly claim to be the saviors of civilization while they aggressively demolish its pillars of civility and human rights.
5
You said,
Turkey’s president, Mr. Erdogan, watched the brawl from a black Mercedes-Benz sedan parked nearby, at the Turkish ambassador’s residence
This leads me to ask, Would Mr Erdogan had allowed this to happen if he had not had some type of approval from Trump from their May 16 meeting? Why the silence from Trump?
Turkey’s president, Mr. Erdogan, watched the brawl from a black Mercedes-Benz sedan parked nearby, at the Turkish ambassador’s residence
This leads me to ask, Would Mr Erdogan had allowed this to happen if he had not had some type of approval from Trump from their May 16 meeting? Why the silence from Trump?
3
Interesting that a Mexican immigrant can be picked up while dropping a child off at school and arrested for having committed a misdemeanor a decade ago, but Turkish citizens who assault citizens and police officers suffer no repercussions at all?
The only thing that matters today is how much money you "donate".
The only thing that matters today is how much money you "donate".
Our lawless, thuggish government should be dealing with this shameful attack, but instead the NYT steps up ! Bravo, NYT !!
We have entered a disgusting era, where all forms of violence are applauded and encouraged...
Had Ivanka been thrown down and kicked, would the White House be so silent ??
Utterly, utterly disgraceful....
We have entered a disgusting era, where all forms of violence are applauded and encouraged...
Had Ivanka been thrown down and kicked, would the White House be so silent ??
Utterly, utterly disgraceful....
2
There is no excuse for all kind of violence.
One big thing that all readers miss...these protester guys are supporting a terrorist organization..
Just imagine a group of al kaida guys making protest with osama bin laden posters. What will you do as an american citizen? Pkk- al kaida- ypg- isil all terrible terrorist organizations..
One big thing that all readers miss...these protester guys are supporting a terrorist organization..
Just imagine a group of al kaida guys making protest with osama bin laden posters. What will you do as an american citizen? Pkk- al kaida- ypg- isil all terrible terrorist organizations..
It is shocking that foreign agents appear to be able to assault American citizens (and others) exercising fundamental First Amendment rights on American soil, with seemingly no consequences. Why were they not stopped by policy from committing these assaults?
16
Why has nobody been charged? What's the actual legal reason?
2
This is outrageous! These thugs have attacked our fellow citizens and our democratic values and should either be arrested or deported immediately! Where's Trump's outrage now?
1
So...contrary to complaints from the Turkish government, the 1978 movie, Midnight Express, seems to have been an accurate portrayal of the country's authoritarian, violent nature.
2
Oh my God, The New York Times rocks!!!!!
1
This is an ugly scene and there needs a stronger response. This cannot be tolerated. This makes me sick and I fear it portends what Trump and his friends would like to see more of. Dastardly.
3
Thank you NY Times !!! These people are monsters. They should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law .. since this happened on our soil, not within embassy confines. I've been to Istanbul two times - and I will NEVER go back there again. Being followed and traced by the secret police is not worth the bother of seeing the blue mosque. Turkey should not be part of the EU. ... YES. I said it.....
3
A foreign leader's personal thugs beat up Americans on our soil.
Gianforte wins election after body slamming a reporter.
Lt. Richard Collins, is murdered by a white nationalist and the president says nothing.
Waiting for Republican outrage.
Still waiting.
Gianforte wins election after body slamming a reporter.
Lt. Richard Collins, is murdered by a white nationalist and the president says nothing.
Waiting for Republican outrage.
Still waiting.
3
How can any US citizen watch this and not get infuriated? It shouldn't matter whether you support the party in power or not. This is a foreign leader who exploited the diplomatic custom of giving official visitors immunity to commit a CRIME! This was not a accidental breaking of the law. This was not out of ignorance of what is legal and what is not. This is a leader who saw something he felt was an insult to his person and decided to order his goons to attack citizens on US soil knowing that they won't get prosecuted because they have diplomatic immunity.
Diplomatic immunity should be revoked when a crime is committed with intent! And that leader should suffer drastic consequences for a complete disrespect for the laws of the country that's hosting him and his delegation of goons.
Diplomatic immunity should be revoked when a crime is committed with intent! And that leader should suffer drastic consequences for a complete disrespect for the laws of the country that's hosting him and his delegation of goons.
3
D.C. cops totally lost control of the situation and allowed it to happen.
This reminds me of something. Let me think.... Oh now I recall,how our American police usually treat peaceful protesters here. I guess Erdogan's security team decided "When in Rome"....
I've taken part in innumerable protests in many venues, (city, town, state and Washington, DC) and there has NEVER been an incident of violence from either protesters or police. In the smallest of the venues there was obvious hate and bias on the part of the small-town police, but even they did not trade blows with anyone. And this was never an issue in NYC, NYS (Albany) or DC. Such a broad condemnation is uncalled for.
Welcome to new America of DJT, Sessions and GOP.
Lying and hitting, and bullying is rewarded..
Truth is persecuted.
Lying and hitting, and bullying is rewarded..
Truth is persecuted.
1
These thugs and their boss must be banned from coming to the United States.
5
...and the police stood by and allowed it to happen.
Why are we allowing foreign governments to apply their thuggish methods right in our nation's capital?
This is infuriating
Why are we allowing foreign governments to apply their thuggish methods right in our nation's capital?
This is infuriating
21
If I had to guess, I'd say there's a better chance that Trump will send each of these goons the Presidential of Freedom than there is of the DOJ and/or Jeff Sessions filing any charges.
3
“I wasn’t paying attention,” he said. “I thought it was a man. I would never kick a woman.”
What a gentleman.
None of this is surprising, given our president would have loved for his supporters to be able to act like this with impunity. But why is the DC Police quiet?
What a gentleman.
None of this is surprising, given our president would have loved for his supporters to be able to act like this with impunity. But why is the DC Police quiet?
2
So what. Nothing's going to happen to them.
1
Under our "America First" administration, it feels like we've sold ourselves and our values to a bunch of tin pot dictators while insulting our longtime allies, partners and neighbors.
Germany, Britain, France, Canada, Mexico, etc. deserve our praise and cooperation, not Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and China. The former makes us stronger, while our weakness only makes the latter so.
Germany, Britain, France, Canada, Mexico, etc. deserve our praise and cooperation, not Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and China. The former makes us stronger, while our weakness only makes the latter so.
4
Trump will do nothing because he thinks it's fine for foreigners to kick around Americans. Letting our citizens be punching bags is just The Donald's way of making America great again, I guess.
2
This is an absolute outrage and should be condemned by every U.S. politician worth his or her weight. For an oppressive regime like Turkey to come to our country and attack our citizens for exercising their right to demonstrate and protest is a grotesque attack on our democracy.
PPL need to be charged and prosecuted, and if we cannot get to them, the ambassador should be expelled as a lesson to Turkey at the bare minimum. As far as the protesters that were brutalized, one thing for sure, they will think twice before they ever demonstrate again- that is the exact result Turkey wanted. You could see the satisfaction in their (attackers) eyes.
PPL need to be charged and prosecuted, and if we cannot get to them, the ambassador should be expelled as a lesson to Turkey at the bare minimum. As far as the protesters that were brutalized, one thing for sure, they will think twice before they ever demonstrate again- that is the exact result Turkey wanted. You could see the satisfaction in their (attackers) eyes.
5
My thanks to the NY Times for locating and then analyzing the video footage and identifying those individuals who initiated and continued the brawl. Why did not anyone from the State Department or the Department of Justice do similarly? Where was President Trump's comments on this incident on American soil? Where were the comments of our Senators and Representatives? I find their silence shameful and reprehensible.
We are supposed to be the land of the free, embodying democratic principles and the rule of law. The brutal behavior of the Turks out not to be countenanced anywhere, and especially not on American soil. What type of behavior warrants the breaking of a diplomatic relationship?
We are supposed to be the land of the free, embodying democratic principles and the rule of law. The brutal behavior of the Turks out not to be countenanced anywhere, and especially not on American soil. What type of behavior warrants the breaking of a diplomatic relationship?
6
You're the greatest, NYT! We rely on you for indepth investigation and you are not failing us in this horrific time. Thank you for taking away the veil from this un-American incident. Now I can see for myself the horrors my Turkish friends have described to me that Erdogan has created in his country. Now he brings it here. And trump approves of "strong men" like this! A bully admiring another bully. But this one is murderous like the other leaders he admires most, and trump can't tell the difference and/or doesn't care. How did we ever come to this?!
Such thugs should never be allowed in our country.
Such thugs should never be allowed in our country.
7
Charges can certainly be brought against the eight men identified as civilian supporters of Erdogan, as would be possible against any U.S. (or foreign) citizen engaged in this kind of assault.
The six brown shirts -- how appropriate a historical analogy -- probably have some sort of diplomatic immunity if they are permanently attached to the Turkish Embassy. The State Department can declare them PNG and expel them from the United States, even though Erdogan would probably reciprocate against the U.S. Embassy in Ankara.
Probably nothing to do against the men in dark suits other than never permit them to enter the United States again should Der Turkische Fuhrer ever decide upon a repeat visit.
The six brown shirts -- how appropriate a historical analogy -- probably have some sort of diplomatic immunity if they are permanently attached to the Turkish Embassy. The State Department can declare them PNG and expel them from the United States, even though Erdogan would probably reciprocate against the U.S. Embassy in Ankara.
Probably nothing to do against the men in dark suits other than never permit them to enter the United States again should Der Turkische Fuhrer ever decide upon a repeat visit.
9
They (Turkey) will claim diplomatic immunity and that they were protecting Erdogan. End of story.
I guess fascism breeds fascism.
and if a protestor had caved in the head or broken the arm or leg of one of the men in black, would the or she be prosecuted?
2
Congratulations for this wonderfull job. Pround to be a brazilian reader of Times. And just to ilustrate the similarities of our political mess I send this film (if it is possible, of course. via GIPHY) . Best, Romeu Temporal
2
Does this make anyone else really really angry?
Well, everyone but Trump I guess.
Perhaps he'll invite them all to Mar-A-Lago for a nice dinner?
Well, everyone but Trump I guess.
Perhaps he'll invite them all to Mar-A-Lago for a nice dinner?
4
These are sick and hateful people who enjoy hurting other human beings. There should be every attempt to identify them from these videos and, if they're US citizens, jail them. If not, prevent them from ever re-entering the USA and that includes Turkish dictator/Trump buddy Erdogan.
This turns my stomach.
The NY Times is to be commended for this level of investigative reporting.
This turns my stomach.
The NY Times is to be commended for this level of investigative reporting.
6
Fantastic work by the Times here.
This episode was incredibly disturbing. I vote on some kind of serious punishment beyond mere censure.
This episode was incredibly disturbing. I vote on some kind of serious punishment beyond mere censure.
5
Can we assume when duterte visits trump he will shoot protesters and claim they are drug dealers? trump not only admires people like erdogan, putin and duterte but he also despises our allies. There should be arrest warrants issued and Turkey should be asked to extradite these people to stand trial. Instead of standing up for Americans being attacked by erdogan’s thugs, trump tweeted congratulations to Greg Gianforte .
4
Why haven't the men id's as Americans (no diplomatic immunity) been arrested??! This is the USA. It is illegal to assault someone like that. Forget our do nothing president. What about the law?
10
Why haven't these people been charged? Diplomatic immunity does not shield them from assault charges.
6
Not the way a civil society behaves, from a commentator reacting to the article. But it is the behavior condoned by the GOP, dictators and King Trump and Court. Lumping all these in one sentence means we have lost control over our government leaders. As their employer even if they donate the salary which is a slap in our faces, we need to demand that they throw out these people from our country. If not, will the the Russian embassy test our boundaries? King Trump said nothing when it occurred obviously he does not consider himself an American after all his oath is protect the Constitution not American citizens. We don't allow our Police to aggressively engage peaceful protestors. We must condemn this action by the Turkish embassy and discard diplomatic immunity.
1
Thanks NYT for the follow up
Can we assume Jeff Sessions will be immediately seeking the maximum penalty against these criminals?
2
a proxy dress rehearsal for future Trump dissenters?
Why weren't these thugs arrested? Do they have diplomatic immunity when they attack and beat people?
5
This absolutely disgusts me.
1
What the Turkish presidents security staff have done is obviously a transgression against our 1st Amendment rights. At the end of the day all we really have is our Constitution, the rule of law and each other to keep us from sliding into the exact scenario that Turkey now faces under Erdogan. Our government officials swore to uphold and protect the U.S. Constitution. By doing nothing to prosecute those involved in this incident they have failed to uphold that oath. Simply shameful. If you are sitting on the fence as to why you should support the free press, put your money where your mouth is and get a subscription, or many, to news organizations like this. Expert reporting from the New York Times! Well done.
5
By the FBI's definition, this is state-sponsored terrorism on American soil: "the unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives." Trump and Tillerson, for all their tough talk, are publicly silent and privately ineffective. The intent of the attack was to violently punish those with the temerity to challenge Erdogan. Erdogan was present and knew very well what was happening and likely ordered it. Otherwise, his security detail has the operational latitude to attack protesters on their own initiative, equally damning. Trump the bully is revealed to be a coward and the void in American leadership is gapingly apparent.
6
Thanks to all your journalists involved for this detailed analysis of video of Turkish bullies attacking protesters. Publishing this serves a real public interest. Hopefully some justice can (eventually) be had. Public can put pressure on politicians to bring the thugs to some measure of justice or expulsion.
This article and pictures stand in stark contrast to your early publishing of leaked British photos of artifacts of Manchester bombing, which served no public interest whatsoever and may have undermined the investigation of the terrorist network.
This article and pictures stand in stark contrast to your early publishing of leaked British photos of artifacts of Manchester bombing, which served no public interest whatsoever and may have undermined the investigation of the terrorist network.
8
There is so much disturbing daily news, gushing fast and furious like water from a firehose, that this story could have been easily forgotten. This is important journalism and critical documentation of how the violence of an illiberal democracy like Turkey can easily spill into American streets. What's more difficult to fathom is that there was no official condemnation directly from our President. Senators Feinstein and McCain wrote a scathing letter to Erdogan, with McCain separately suggesting we should expel Turkey's ambassador from the United States. Did Trump have nothing to say even after meeting Erdogan in person only a few hours prior for the outbreak of violence? Have you no follow up, Mr. Trump? Whether it's in the streets of Washington DC or on the campaign trail in Montana, is the President's silence mean we can we condone violence in America again?
32
Now that's what we call freedom of press, Turkey.
NYT: Browne, Cirillo, Griggs, Keller, Reneau -- thank you for your incredible investigative reporting.
NYT: Browne, Cirillo, Griggs, Keller, Reneau -- thank you for your incredible investigative reporting.
12
Why did the uniformed police do absolutely NOTHING to help victims? They didn't effectively restrain attackers; they didn't arrest those who they briefly could have had in custody. They looked like aiders and abettors of violence on peaceful AMERICAN protesters.
Why hasn't every attacker been permanently ousted from the US?
What has become of the victims?
This is not my country.
Why hasn't every attacker been permanently ousted from the US?
What has become of the victims?
This is not my country.
4
Why on earth is the title of this article a question?!
2
When will Congress address and, unfortunately I need to say, immediately reject this type of political violence?
I remember days when all parties would unite in outrage against this type of political suppression overseas.
Is it not worse that it happens in Washington D.C.?
Did anyone miss the aggressors running between D.C. Police?
Where is the united outrage from our elected leaders of all parties?
Alas, I fear we are adrift.
I remember days when all parties would unite in outrage against this type of political suppression overseas.
Is it not worse that it happens in Washington D.C.?
Did anyone miss the aggressors running between D.C. Police?
Where is the united outrage from our elected leaders of all parties?
Alas, I fear we are adrift.
47
I hope this permanently kills Turkey's chances of ever joining the EU. But what is outrageous is a lack of outrage from this "MAGA" administration. So it's OK for foreign thugs to come into the US and beat up American citizens?! Imagine if this had happened during the previous administration. Just imagine.
5
A head of state sits in his car on our soil and sends his security dogs to attack peaceful demonstrators who disagree with him, many of whom were American citizens.
What an affront to our freedom and democracy!
What will Congress do about this?
I am waiting.
What an affront to our freedom and democracy!
What will Congress do about this?
I am waiting.
12
It should alarm you that Trump and the White House has been silent about Turkey's attack on U.S. protesters. How much is Erdogan paying Trump to make THIS go away? After all, the NY Times did report that Erdogan paid traitor Michael Flynn in excess of $500,000.00 to "put Turkey first." And that was just the amount reported. Sadly, this pattern of behavior is real and should alarm you. I'm glad that NYT revisited this story. Keep at it!
11
This is fantastic reporting. It is a dark day in the United States when this sort of thing could happen without a peep from our president.
12
How do you say deplorable in Turkish?
6
What was Trump's response to all of this?
4
These are not images of our allies. Allies don't come to your home and assault you and yours. It's time to formally recognize Turkish citizens have no business being in this nation if they cannot conduct themselves in a civilized manner. I don't care what kind of example our president sets, this aggression cannot be allowed to stand.
7
My impression of "official" security staff from Turkey and neighboring countries is that they won't "mess around" with manners and non-confrontational methods; they will be as rough as they can. Consequences, nah, not in America. Not criminal or civil or diplomatic. Now, if there were protesters at a Hillary appearance and anyone attacked them, Donnie would cheer them on, congratulating them in public statements and via Twitterdom. One bully can't condemn another. I hope the injured parties file civil suits, even though there will be some blather from the administration about the protestors causing the problems and then the shield of diplomatic immunity and such from Sessions.
7
Excellent analysis. Bravo to the NYTimes.
I am deeply disturbed by the video. It is shocking and terrifying there is no comment from the White House -- he is an ABUSIVE man who lets other men be abusive.
At the risk of sound old fashioned, it is even more upsetting to see these thugs beat up women. Bad to beat up men, of course, but super creepy when they beat up women.
Question to the editor: Are these guys protected under diplomatic immunity? What is their "status" while in the country?
I am deeply disturbed by the video. It is shocking and terrifying there is no comment from the White House -- he is an ABUSIVE man who lets other men be abusive.
At the risk of sound old fashioned, it is even more upsetting to see these thugs beat up women. Bad to beat up men, of course, but super creepy when they beat up women.
Question to the editor: Are these guys protected under diplomatic immunity? What is their "status" while in the country?
11
I'm not an American citizen (I'm from the UK) but this type of thing makes my blood boil!
How dare these Turkish thugs bring their brand of so called democracy and so called free speech to the USA and treat American citizens the same way as their own protesters and dissidents.
This is typical of what has gone wrong in that country and they have the temerity to believe that they can ever be part of the European Union. They fall at the very first hurdle.
European history shows that the Turkish Islamic Caliphate tried to overrun Europe once before and were defeated, once and for all it was thought at the time, by a Polish King leading allied forces at the siege of Vienna in 1683. Many countries in Europe who were overrun at the time are none too keen to have them back; particularly since it seems that 'the leopard has not changed its spots' as they say!
How dare these Turkish thugs bring their brand of so called democracy and so called free speech to the USA and treat American citizens the same way as their own protesters and dissidents.
This is typical of what has gone wrong in that country and they have the temerity to believe that they can ever be part of the European Union. They fall at the very first hurdle.
European history shows that the Turkish Islamic Caliphate tried to overrun Europe once before and were defeated, once and for all it was thought at the time, by a Polish King leading allied forces at the siege of Vienna in 1683. Many countries in Europe who were overrun at the time are none too keen to have them back; particularly since it seems that 'the leopard has not changed its spots' as they say!
7
The kind of people that Trump loves.
If anyone else was President, the Turkish Embassy would be closed and all of these attackers of Americans would be on a plane back to their cesspool of a country.
Instead Trump will probably give them a medal.
I only wish the protesters had returned their violence in kind. Times 100.
If anyone else was President, the Turkish Embassy would be closed and all of these attackers of Americans would be on a plane back to their cesspool of a country.
Instead Trump will probably give them a medal.
I only wish the protesters had returned their violence in kind. Times 100.
This is excellent reporting. Based on what it reveals, all that's required is a minimal amount of moral decency and conviction to bring these thugs and cowards to justice. But with Trump at the helm it will not happen. The fact that Erdogan had the gall to give an order to his men to attack peaceful protesters immediately after he had met with Trump is already telling enough. Trump's courting of Putin, Erdogan, Duterte functions as a barely veiled threat to our own sense of civic protections and the rule of law. By very openly embracing these brutish leaders and tolerating (even praising) their violent uses of power, Trump (or Bannon, Stone, or Kushner) are signaling to us all that there's a new sheriff in town, one who doesn't mind if women get kicked in the head.
4
Great coverage of a despicable act.
Kudos to the NYT for the detail & making it a front page story.
Kudos to the NYT for the detail & making it a front page story.
7
Those men came with diplomatic passports, ostensibly to protect the head of their Government. Their embassies and their residences are their sovereign spaces. The US Presidents similarly pack up their entourages with their own security men. The host government jolly well knows that these men can get into preemptive measures which sometimes can escalate. If only the protesters would understand that this is not one of the Trump rallies where you get to attack Trump and blame the fracas squarely on Trump himself, then thinks would work out better. Too bad, the embassy grounds are not one of those Californian University campuses. Still, not all is lost. If NYT genuinely believes that US laws and diplomatic arrangements have been broken, then go ahead and file case in a US Court against those guards in the interest of public peace. We will see how it turns out. But the better option would be educate these protesters on the futility of continuing their internecine homeland wars in US terrain.
2
1. This had zero to do with protecting their President - the protesters posed no threat to him at all.
2. This took place outside the boundaries of the ambassador's residence and was therefore not sovereign space.
3. American citizens live in a democracy where public protest is a right, and no security guard from a foreign entourage has the authority to deny that right - in short, Turkish laws do not apply outside Turkey.
2. This took place outside the boundaries of the ambassador's residence and was therefore not sovereign space.
3. American citizens live in a democracy where public protest is a right, and no security guard from a foreign entourage has the authority to deny that right - in short, Turkish laws do not apply outside Turkey.
3
I just wanted to say THANK YOU! This is excellent reporting.
5
Excellent analytic journalism -- thank you for this endeavor.
3
Almost any previous administration would have protested this action as a serious violation of diplomatic relations between the US and Turkey. The White House is silent.
5
This is fascinating reporting and video analysis, presented very clearly. Thank you, New York Times.
4
The era of Trump. When shall it start happening to Americans here?
1
What's worst is that Trump's silence implies his acquiescence. He is essentially letting his people get beat up by thugs with not a peep. In middle eastern terms, this is a big insult to the U.S. And Trump is letting it happen with no retaliation. He's a sucker, letting his people get abused by others.
13
If Trump is so committed to deporting "bad hombres," what about these thugs? If, indeed, diplomatic immunity protects these criminals from prosecution, they should all be expelled from the U.S. within 24 hours. The Turkish Embassy can hire American security guards and Trump can brag about the jobs he created.
17
Please, please press charges against the Turkish members of Erdogan's entourage. It sickens me to see American citizens attacked by an autocratic countries thugs, can you imagine the uproar if America perpetrated something of like this? I agree with McCain, the Turkish ambassador should have been tossed from our country and Trump not standing up for his people is ludicrous and telling at the same time.
100
"...can you imagine the uproar if America perpetrated something of like this?"
Uh, have you checked the news lately? Although admittedly, we don't punch people, we just bomb them.
Uh, have you checked the news lately? Although admittedly, we don't punch people, we just bomb them.
These men who attacked, beat and kicked peaceful protesters, women and men in defenseless positions, are cowards. Now that the world is watching each of them should apologize to their parents for bringing shame on themselves and their country.
9
What a great piece of journalism. Congratulations and thank you, NYT and all who contributed. We need ever more work of this quality, but I fear we will have ever less. The sight of all those men kicking people down, and who were down, as well as slugging them, made it clear that they are schooled in using their feet for assault as well as their hands. "Crowd control." Terrifying, especially since the U.S. seems to be unwilling or unable to arrest the thugs.
10
What, Turkey thinks we can be pushed around? Just send Greg Gianforte to deal with those scoundrels!
2
So these Turks pretend to be modern civilized people who desperately want to join Europe and the Western democracies' economies? Really? This sort of behavior is not OK in the USA as far as I know. or any civilized nation Disgusting brutality is not OK here even when done by Americans to other Americans, and as for publicly beating up women? They should be in jail for what they have done. Women have rights here in the USA.
5
Unfortunately, there is a disturbing correlation between this incident and newly elected Gianforte's slap on the wrist for what he did in Montana. Wake up, America!
28
This may be the best justice-seeking and investigative reporting we have seen so far this year. Excellent breakdown of events moment to moment. Exceptional work focusing on each member and person. We know what happened.
Our government may respond with an immoral, cowardly, pathetic, overly deferential, loser-ish, constitutionally-compromised, unAmerican and unjust response. I mean -- based on what the White House has shown us so far (crickets), what more could we expect? BUT you, YOU NYT, I think you've outdone the State Department and the CIA.
Long live justice, the freedoms of the First Amendment, and for God's sake -- long live our own peaceful demonstrators.
Our government may respond with an immoral, cowardly, pathetic, overly deferential, loser-ish, constitutionally-compromised, unAmerican and unjust response. I mean -- based on what the White House has shown us so far (crickets), what more could we expect? BUT you, YOU NYT, I think you've outdone the State Department and the CIA.
Long live justice, the freedoms of the First Amendment, and for God's sake -- long live our own peaceful demonstrators.
11
Having been to Turkey I can assure viewers that Turks as a whole are not the cowardly thugs who are seen kicking and punching women in this video. They are as much victims of these brown shirts and black suits as were the protesters. Note how the footage clearly shows Erdogan directing the violence. His resemblance to a certain historical figure as he walks into the embassy is striking.
9
This is just appalling. Erdogan's government must be brought to account for this violence on American soil. It is criminal, and it is an insult to our nation. Only under Trump would our country give this a pass.
Now Montana has elected a US Congressman who assaulted a reporter in a fit of rage. This is part of a cascading pattern of vicious behavior that is, so far, proceeding with impunity. My first awareness of this increasingly uncivil and virulent behavior began when the SC Congressman shouted "You lie" at President Obama during his State of the Union speech.
The incivility has escalated. Donald Trump epitomizes this behavior and fans its flames; he appeals to the lowest common denominator in humanity. Most recently he has shoved the Prime Minister of Montenegro - a peer - aside, in yet another boorish and shameful move. This is all of a piece. Are there not enough Republicans left with the sense of decency to cut out this cancer before it passes a breaking point? In the absence of decency, common sense would suffice. As for Greg Gianforte, even the Fox news reporter validated what happened. Where is the moral compass of the Republican Party?
Now Montana has elected a US Congressman who assaulted a reporter in a fit of rage. This is part of a cascading pattern of vicious behavior that is, so far, proceeding with impunity. My first awareness of this increasingly uncivil and virulent behavior began when the SC Congressman shouted "You lie" at President Obama during his State of the Union speech.
The incivility has escalated. Donald Trump epitomizes this behavior and fans its flames; he appeals to the lowest common denominator in humanity. Most recently he has shoved the Prime Minister of Montenegro - a peer - aside, in yet another boorish and shameful move. This is all of a piece. Are there not enough Republicans left with the sense of decency to cut out this cancer before it passes a breaking point? In the absence of decency, common sense would suffice. As for Greg Gianforte, even the Fox news reporter validated what happened. Where is the moral compass of the Republican Party?
7
Great reporting! The NYT at it's very best.
12
The only officer who should feel good about his response is the one who used his club on the attackers. I wonder if the police would have handled things differently if a larger group of protesters had rushed a police line to attack diplomats? Maybe someone would have been booked at least. Equal justice used to mean something in this country.
6
The analysis and embedded video here are pretty incredible. Keep up the good work, NYT.
12
It bears asking again:
Wear are we going and why are we in this handbasket?
Wear are we going and why are we in this handbasket?
7
Is THIS making America great again, Mr. Trump?
17
Excellent report. Bravo on the video editing team on parsing the video of the melee and making it comprehensive and intuitive.
I don't care about immunity the perpetrators of this assault on American soil cannot go unpunished. Please stay on this story as a Trump administration may not be too inclined on pursuing a fellow strongman.
I don't care about immunity the perpetrators of this assault on American soil cannot go unpunished. Please stay on this story as a Trump administration may not be too inclined on pursuing a fellow strongman.
23
Why are these men not arrested and jailed already? Why is there still any Turkish Embassys in the USA? Most definitely Erdogan should be Person Non-Grata in the USA and her territories so why is this not so already?
15
They all have diplomatic immunity. They cannot be arrested. They can only be declared personae no gratae and be withdrawn by their government from the U.S.
This is why I subscribe to the NYTs.
State should PNG every one of these suited thugs. And DC should prosecute every one of the civilian thugs. To the fullest extent of the law.
State should PNG every one of these suited thugs. And DC should prosecute every one of the civilian thugs. To the fullest extent of the law.
21
Prosecute them.
16
When is Erdogen coming back. There should be MORE protestors next time. To say - this is not America. This is not who we are.
9
This really makes me angry. The bunch of Turkish thugs. Why so much security muscle for Erdogan? Probably precisely for that reason - beat up protestors just like they are used to doing in Turkey. Too bad DC police weren't better equipped to deal with it. Hopefully next time they will be met with American force. We shouldn't even let them or Erdogan back into the country again, or arrest them at the airport. Let's deport any of those thugs still here, American "citizen" or not.
6
"Lock them up"!!
Let's see if the Trump State Department is making America Great Again by supporting American values. Let's see if the Sessions DOJ is serious aabout enforcing the laws of this country.
Somehow I doubt they have the stomach to follow through on their own rhetoric.
Let's see if the Trump State Department is making America Great Again by supporting American values. Let's see if the Sessions DOJ is serious aabout enforcing the laws of this country.
Somehow I doubt they have the stomach to follow through on their own rhetoric.
11
Great NYT analysis, I am glad this was done before this story slips away - still no word from the WH on this, which is unbelievable, this needs to be kept alive and Senator McCain and company need to keep pushing for some kind of accountability from Turkey.
16
This story absolutely horrifying and the silence from the government is even more astounding. With all the other drama, this story mostly got lost in the sea of other breaking news. I'm glad the NYTimes is still on it.
I live in DC and was trying to drive home that evening. Rock Creek Parkway and most of NW DC was at an absolute standstill as Massachusetts Ave was closed from Dupont circle to the Observatory during rush hour. A 30 minute drive became two hours. No one knew what was going on – there were only reports of "police activity" at Sheridan Circle. I never would have imagined that this was happening in my city, my country.
I live in DC and was trying to drive home that evening. Rock Creek Parkway and most of NW DC was at an absolute standstill as Massachusetts Ave was closed from Dupont circle to the Observatory during rush hour. A 30 minute drive became two hours. No one knew what was going on – there were only reports of "police activity" at Sheridan Circle. I never would have imagined that this was happening in my city, my country.
22
I can't imagine what's happening in Turkey if this is how their diplomats act on foreign soil. If they are willing to attack peaceful protestors while being surrounded with cameras, I wonder how the protestors in Turkey are treated? Great coverage by the Times.
112
Truly hope that these thugs will be charged with assault and battery. Otherwise, the rule of law is meaningless and the dictatorial brutality of Emperor Erdogan will migrate to the United States. Surely the US authorities cannot turn a blind eye to the senseless attack on these protestors.
10
Can they be charged with anything? They may have diplomatic immunity.
2
Erdogan's miserable goons exist for the faintest pretext to physically assault peaceful protestors (including women). This shameful spectacle speaks volumes and shows what life in a police state looks like on just an average day.
Hats off to the NYTImes for giving this incident its due. Hopefully, the video footage will bring the plight of the Turkish people into sharper focus for the American public.
Hats off to the NYTImes for giving this incident its due. Hopefully, the video footage will bring the plight of the Turkish people into sharper focus for the American public.
2
This report is genius, kudos to the Times for such a thorough, systematic, and convincing analysis!
Since the Turkish government has demanded our ambassador explain and apologize for the "lack of security" for Erdogan's visit, I suggest he present himself to the Turkish Foreign Ministry -- then show them this video and demand that Turkey turn over these thugs for trial here in the US.
Since the Turkish government has demanded our ambassador explain and apologize for the "lack of security" for Erdogan's visit, I suggest he present himself to the Turkish Foreign Ministry -- then show them this video and demand that Turkey turn over these thugs for trial here in the US.
9
We are waiting for the most severe response from our state department and congress which should include issuing international warrant for the assault on American citizens, explusion of Turkish ambassador, limit access of Turkey to UN only and severe reduction of slush money that artifically props this brutal dictator up.
Turkey is no friend of US, no friend of Europe and no friend to democracy. Erdogan threatens Europe with blood in streets, selectively embeds terrorists with the refugees that it allows to pass to Europe, blackmails Europe over the refugees. Erdogan is ethnically cleansing southeast Turkey of it's Kurds( which is STILL legally western Armenia under the Wilson Arbitral Award of 1922- see http://www.nt.am/en/news/15663/ ) , has arrested hundreds of journalists and limited access to Incirlik aribase to NATO members and of course, continues to deny the Armenian Genocide.
It's way overdue to send this murderous dictator a crystal clear message: you and your thugs are not welcome here or on the world stage unless you get civilized and respect other nations, their laws and their humanity.
Turkey is no friend of US, no friend of Europe and no friend to democracy. Erdogan threatens Europe with blood in streets, selectively embeds terrorists with the refugees that it allows to pass to Europe, blackmails Europe over the refugees. Erdogan is ethnically cleansing southeast Turkey of it's Kurds( which is STILL legally western Armenia under the Wilson Arbitral Award of 1922- see http://www.nt.am/en/news/15663/ ) , has arrested hundreds of journalists and limited access to Incirlik aribase to NATO members and of course, continues to deny the Armenian Genocide.
It's way overdue to send this murderous dictator a crystal clear message: you and your thugs are not welcome here or on the world stage unless you get civilized and respect other nations, their laws and their humanity.
24
Thank you so much NYT. You did great job by revealing the brutality of Erdogan and his crew. Now, you can understand what they do in Turkey. I hope there will be legal actions against all guards who involve in the violence. Beating Americans on the US soil should not be left without punishment and legal action. I call our authorities to action!
33
From what you say
some and maybe most of the thugs of the Turkish entourage are not official and most likely have no immunity.
They should be prosecuted fully.
Those who MAY have some kind of immunity should also be permanently banned from ever entering the US. Put them on the Terrorist Watch List.
Also the State Dept should address this and see that can be done to prosecute the official thugs.
I am so sorry that Turkey is fast on the way to becoming a Autocratic Theocracy and dictatorship.
some and maybe most of the thugs of the Turkish entourage are not official and most likely have no immunity.
They should be prosecuted fully.
Those who MAY have some kind of immunity should also be permanently banned from ever entering the US. Put them on the Terrorist Watch List.
Also the State Dept should address this and see that can be done to prosecute the official thugs.
I am so sorry that Turkey is fast on the way to becoming a Autocratic Theocracy and dictatorship.
6
This never, ever should be allowed to happen without retribution. Where is the US government in all of this? At the very least, revoke their visas.They don't belong in this country, ever.
6
This has to be one of the more sickening events to take place in our country in a long time. I am heartened that some senior Senators like John McCain and Nancy Pelosi have asked that these brutal thugs be prosecuted and the Ambassador 'kicked out of the country'. This is a good start and will show that criminal behavior like this with impunity will not stand in this country. We need to isolate that awful dictator Erdogan and his henchman, who happen to be destroying such a beautiful country with their criminality. Secondly NATO needs to start the search for another military base besides Incirlik to prove that we will not abide by this lawless government.
4
Has Trump had anything to say about this? I looked on the web, but the only thing I can find is a standard protest by the state department. Isn't part of his oath to protect us? Or is he OK with foreign thugs beating up US citizens on US soil?
7
"I am the law and order candidate." — Donald J. Trump
9
One can only wonder what happens in Turkey itself as these thugs obviously believe they can get away with this on foreign soil. This is outrageous.
5
Perhaps the press should ask our president to address this unconscionable assault on our 1st Amendment freedoms.
Press: "Mr President, what do you say to Americans who want you to, at a minimum, publicly denounce this attack by Turkish nationals, on not only our people, but perhaps more importantly, on our constitutional guarantee to peaceful assembly and protest?"
The President: "I have a little conflict of interest, because I have a major, major building in Istanbul ... It’s called Trump Towers. Two towers, instead of one. Not the usual one, it’s two. And I’ve gotten to know Turkey very well."
Press: "Mr President, what do you say to Americans who want you to, at a minimum, publicly denounce this attack by Turkish nationals, on not only our people, but perhaps more importantly, on our constitutional guarantee to peaceful assembly and protest?"
The President: "I have a little conflict of interest, because I have a major, major building in Istanbul ... It’s called Trump Towers. Two towers, instead of one. Not the usual one, it’s two. And I’ve gotten to know Turkey very well."
3
This is appalling behavior by these thugs, and frightening inaction by the US government. The fact that it was all condoned, and apparently directed by Erdogan and his goons should be enough to trigger serious diplomatic repercussions. Certainly the goons themselves should be punished to the fullest extent of our laws and diplomatic punishment. Turkey's embassy staff needs to be reduced and the ambassador replaced.
"Partners" like this we don't need. Forget membership in European union. I could care less whether they remain members of NATO, whether we continue to have military bases there. Stop selling them our weaponry. Their blocking of the Kurds, who seem to be our only steadfast allies in the region, should be resisted emphatically.
Worst of all, the current US administration's lack of reaction foreshadows the fascistic tendency of our new leaders. Worse than sad. Bad.
"Partners" like this we don't need. Forget membership in European union. I could care less whether they remain members of NATO, whether we continue to have military bases there. Stop selling them our weaponry. Their blocking of the Kurds, who seem to be our only steadfast allies in the region, should be resisted emphatically.
Worst of all, the current US administration's lack of reaction foreshadows the fascistic tendency of our new leaders. Worse than sad. Bad.
13
Since our President is so wanting to expel Mexicans who come into this country and break our laws, why won't he expel these members of Erdogan's security detail who commit assault as well?
3
Or, better yet, arrest them.
US State Department must demand that Turkish government reveal the identity of the their personnel clearly assaulting protesters. The safety of Americans is at stake. If these thugs are allow to get off, what will prevent other security details from repeating this? Further, if those individuals can be prosecuted, then they should be extradited to the US for trial. If for some diplomatic reason they can't be prosecuted they two things should happen: 1. They should be permanently barred from the US until they agree to subject themselves to our laws; 2. The US should modify its diplomatic agreements with Turkey so that if anything like this every happens again, there would be no immunity.
6
Fantastic use of images, graphics and web interaction.
6
NATO and the United States need to establish guidelines and consequences to the Turkish Government for genocides, occupation of Cyprus and Constantinople, and the brutal suppression of Americans practicing the 1st Amendment.
If these Turkish patriots are so powerful, why did they allow ISIS to roam freely across their borders?
If these Turkish patriots are so powerful, why did they allow ISIS to roam freely across their borders?
1
"By the sword you did your work, and by the sword you die."
Look at those who warship and believe in the sword, they have been subject to their own sword for thousand years!
We American believe in human rights, including those who believe in and use sword (it is our irony, we know), although we occasionally use sword.
Look at those who warship and believe in the sword, they have been subject to their own sword for thousand years!
We American believe in human rights, including those who believe in and use sword (it is our irony, we know), although we occasionally use sword.
This is the Trump era, in which bullying and beating people is either encouraged or condoned — and Turkish bullies are fine by the President, because they agree with his fascistic views, and detest American freedoms like he does. Ugly, ugly stuff, but kudos to the Men in Blue for standing up and trying to stall this horrific, frightening scene on American soil.
10
If this happened here in Florida, the protestors could have stood their ground and used deadly force to protect themselves and others. While the Stand Your Ground (SYG) statute does not allow one to stand his ground against law enforcement officers, foreign bodyguards or security officials do not so qualify. See §§ 776.013(2)(d) and 943.10(1) and (14), Fla. Stats.
6
And many people on both sides would be dead. That would be better... how?
1
I did not say it would be better, only that it could happen here in the Gunshine State.
For better or worse.
For better or worse.
Thanks for a great job of naming names. I have found it very disturbing that the Department of Justice has not taken any steps to prosecute those responsible for the assaults. Since criminal prosecutions in the District of Columbia are controlled by the U. S. Attorney's office, not by the city, responsibility for charging those responsible rests with federal officials. Will those in the Trump administration that have cozied up to Erdogen allow prosecutions to proceed? So far the answer appears to be a distressing "No."
149
Particularly as a few of the aggressors are American citizens with no diplomatic immunity and therefor the (very loose) rationale that they were "protecting" Erdogan. There is no excuse for not prosecuting thugs who live here, claim American status, and beat peaceful protesters.
Thank you for your comment. I am sickened and incensed by this situation. Who do we call? Whose switchboard do we light up? The U.S. Attorney's office?
Erdogan's slide into dictatorship and brutality began during the Obama administration, well before Trump came to power.
Its so funny to see people , who comment here are mostly americans and they think they are freedombringers of the world. check your facts and your reality about afro-americans and policies in Middle East. Every single day, a man dies because of war in Middle East. But why ?, Who started this war ? You know the answer. so there is no single point i care about this event. just we dont care in turkey. Its like whatever for us. so get over it. take care kisses bye.
1
What has that have to do with Turkish thugs beating up US citizens in the US??!!
This is in your face terrorism. Why didn't the DC Police prosecute these terrorists??
3
Does President Trump care if Turkish government goons are beating American residents and/or citizens?
I haven't heard a peep form him about this.
I haven't heard a peep form him about this.
14
Mad respect for the police officers doing their jobs protecting american citizens by physically trying to subdue the perps attacking protesters. This would never happen in NC because they would be shot. I see a guy bum rushing me with a gun on his hip, i'm going to pull my firearm and put shots on target FIRST. Yes, it would devolve into a bloodbath, but then something would actually move our lethargic politicians into action, because the opposite would be political suicide.
1
I'd like to say that Guiseppe Ancona doesn't speak for all North Carolinians.
2
Thank you for keep talking about this. It is so shameful specially because the way they treated the women.. As a woman it made me SICK to see this happened. Those cowards should have been put to jail. Thank you for posting the pictures of each one so the world can see what king of people they are. Kicking women, God!! Please please do not let this go until we see some justice. Thank you NYT!!!
Please re-crop the photo of the individual choking the woman. It can be done; there's no reason the victim should be portrayed (let alone singled out as they are, since no other photos show victims being actively assaulted) in that photo, which, based on how the other assailants are portrayed, is primarily meant to show the assailants themselves. It is insensitive and potentially trigerring to the survivor that (1) their assailant's photo is the only one that includes someone being actively assaulted (2) they are singled out and are the only victim shown in the lineup style photos.
1
Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump May 16
It was a great honor to welcome the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, to the @WhiteHouse today!
It was a great honor to welcome the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, to the @WhiteHouse today!
3
Sadly, there's little recourse for dealing with the "security detail" thugs. Expulsion, perhaps. In Ankara they're likely to get medals. But the brute puffing in the cop's face "I'm a taxpayer and an American citizen" after he'd repeatedly kicked a woman on the ground in the head; surely, in his case at least, this excellent piece of reportage can be used to establish a case for felony assault?
That's outrageous, those cowards kick and choke women and get away with it. Trump is a display of weakness to the world to see.
5
I would have pepper sprayed them. Guys, next time Pepper Spray! Or if you're going for fireworks, Bear spray! You will also be exposed but I want nothing more for these feudalists to feel the liberty of the wild wild west.
2
Why did the Metro Police bend over forwards to accomodate security carrying guns (legal) and assualting police (in the video) and kicking a man in the head by threes as he lay on the ground helplessly (video)?
If young black me behaved this way, they'd be arrested and shot by the police, no doubt. No questions asked. Police hold black men to a different standard, obviously.
If young black me behaved this way, they'd be arrested and shot by the police, no doubt. No questions asked. Police hold black men to a different standard, obviously.
1
Not even any charges for the "tax paying American citizen" that repeatedly kicked a woman in the head as she lay on the ground?
7
Thanks to the Times for this coverage. This is not an acceptable way for foreign visitors to act in our country. We have a right to protest in this country. If the Turkish president has a problem with that, then stay in Turkey. The Congress and the administration need to address this now! We need to make sure all foreign dictators praised by Trump need know that this is not allowed or it sets a terrible precedent for US sanctioned thuggery. All of Erdogan's thugs should have been arrested and processed.
6
Why aren't the non-diplomatic staff arrested and charged right away? There are no diplomatic questions for them, they're US citizens so they can be prosecuted without any legal issues of diplomatic immunity.
5
Thank you for this detailed analysis. It seems quite clear that is nothing less than an attack on American citizens ordered by a foreign leader. It is unfathomable that the White House has not weighed in on this.
Unfortunately this is exactly the kind of strong-arm tactics that Trump wishes he could employ himself.
Unfortunately this is exactly the kind of strong-arm tactics that Trump wishes he could employ himself.
10
These people need to be charged with assault. There must be a formal protest lodged with the Turkish "government".. All members of the entourage that are identified should have their credentials pulled and not be allowed back to the US.
Trump will do nothing. This reminds him of one of his campaign rally's. All in good fun, right Mr. Trump?
Trump will do nothing. This reminds him of one of his campaign rally's. All in good fun, right Mr. Trump?
6
Thank you NYT for this outstanding investigative reporting. This is appalling and frightening at the same time. What is happening to the United States of America? How did millions vote for a criminal thug, supported by a corrupt administration and party in congress, who allows a dictator from an autocratic country to direct his staff to beat up our citizens? How can McConnell and Ryan not speak up? How can Sessions not press charges? How dare these people call themselves patriots? Why aren't more people outraged?
6
Here's one thing I agree with Trump on - the U.S. should in no way use its military to defend Turkey. This Islamo-Fascist state should be kicked out of NATO.
American citizens exercising their First Amendment rights and we get nothing but crickets from this White House. In less than six months, he has escalated the tension between citizens and each other, citizens and their government, governments to other governments, etc.
This chaos-making bully and those who supported him must be drummed off the American stage, sooner rather than later or we will not survive as a republic at the end of his term.
This must end.
This chaos-making bully and those who supported him must be drummed off the American stage, sooner rather than later or we will not survive as a republic at the end of his term.
This must end.
1
Turkey should be expelled from NATO because it is replacing democratic values with authoritarian repression and violence. Diplomatic relations between the US and Turkey should be suspended until the government of Turkey makes an apology and restitution for this vile incident. If we're doing "America First," let's do it right.
2
I'm grateful right now for our free press, and for the hard work of reporters who prepared this video analysis, and followed up the incident. It's shocking that Erdogan can feel secure in bringing his thuggery to the United States. Whatever U.S. authorities decide on the police presence at these events should reexamine their approach to future protests near the Turkish embassy. The excellent video work raises the prospect of consequences for these men, such as "travel ban" visa restrictions for those who traveled here from outside the U.S. and prosecution of the American citizens from Virginia and New Jersey who beat on these protesters.
5
Absolutely fantastic reporting by the Times and a wonderful example of why we need a vibrant and independent press. Hard to escape the conclusion that this would be a major-major diplomatic incident if we didn't have a president who has a thing for dictators.
5
I don't understand why the title of this article is a question. You have clear evidence. Just state what happened. Come on NYT.
2
This is a wonderful example of the free press doing it's job.
This is revealing the bullies who will not beat the American people into submission.
Bully Trump's support and praise of Erdogan is a threat to our Republic.
An incredible piece of journalism which presents the evidence without any doubt.
This is revealing the bullies who will not beat the American people into submission.
Bully Trump's support and praise of Erdogan is a threat to our Republic.
An incredible piece of journalism which presents the evidence without any doubt.
3
And so what has the Trump administration and the Justice Department done about the violent attack against American citizens? NOTHING !!
3
Great reporting by the NYT. This is why I subscribe. Needs some follow up. Why has law enforcement not charged anyone? There seems to be clear criminal activity. Are the people who were attacked taking any legal action?
Fascism is growing in the world and Turkey is one of the victims. We need to oppose it in all its forms in our country.
Fascism is growing in the world and Turkey is one of the victims. We need to oppose it in all its forms in our country.
2
Well comes to TRUMP's AMERICA
1
And so-called tough-guy Donald Trump refuses to defend American citizens brutalized by a foreign agent.
Your president is a foreign agent. Flynn was on the Turkish payroll, you'll recall.
Your president is a foreign agent. Flynn was on the Turkish payroll, you'll recall.
1
Can someone explain why none of these guys clearly assaulting people in front of the police were not even cuffed and detained immediately, much less arrested and charged? I guess Diplomatic Immunity comes into play, but it seems exceptions are allowed in emergency situations when a threat to public safety is involved, as was plainly the case here. At a minimum, all those involved need to be expelled immediately.
1
Now that these attacks are well documented and public knowledge, where are the arrests?
2
So the Times is now doing the job of the police and prosecutor because they aren't doing their job? Is it conceivable -- just asking: Is it conceivable that a speedy and thorough investigation could end a career, so a prosecutor with a family and a mortgage would prefer to give other tasks priority? Is the contempt for the law at the very top trickling down already?
1
You oversee the most important person who gives order them to attack. It's obviously the President. You can see it in the another video.
And yet Trump still hasn't said a word on this.
1
Great journalism! Thank you so much for putting this together, I am sure it took a ton of effort. Let us all contact our D.C. reps and pressure them to keep these folks out of the U.S. in the future. I sympathize with the Turkish people who must fear these types of autocratic thugs in their everyday lives.
1
Last week Turkey blocked all NATO cooperation with the neutral country Austria because Austria called for the EU to suspend Turkey’s accession bid because Ankara did not meet EU rights and democratic standards.
The Turkish Security detail's goon tactics not only tells what democratic standards Erdogan have (or rather the lack thereof), but also that he has learned a thing or two from his new bromance with Putin.
Putin is playing both Trump and Erdogan like a fiddle and his goal is to sow as much disharmony in the Western liberal democracy, the United States, the EU and NATO.
It is time for the West to make Turkey choose between Russia or the West and this includes NATO and EU membership.
The Turkish Security detail's goon tactics not only tells what democratic standards Erdogan have (or rather the lack thereof), but also that he has learned a thing or two from his new bromance with Putin.
Putin is playing both Trump and Erdogan like a fiddle and his goal is to sow as much disharmony in the Western liberal democracy, the United States, the EU and NATO.
It is time for the West to make Turkey choose between Russia or the West and this includes NATO and EU membership.
The New York Times continues to break new ground. I'm so grateful.
Unfortunately, our president appears to have a taste for this kind of thing, so I'm skeptical that there were be official consequences.
Unfortunately, our president appears to have a taste for this kind of thing, so I'm skeptical that there were be official consequences.
1
Great job, NYT. This is the second time Turkish security guards beat protesters in the US. They will do it again and again if not held responsible.
1
Sorry but we are getting into a time of anarchy. Turkish and bodyguards of dictators that the president admire, feel free to beat anybody. Representatives feel that they can do the same and they win a seat in the House of representatives. This is the sad reality. Where are the democrats telling us we almost win. Well you will not win if you don't get behind anybody ready to challenge the GOP. Maybe they should pack and go home.
This was not a brawl. It was an assault on law-abiding citizens. The silence of the so-called president is deafening
1
OUTSTANDING PLANNING, EXECUTION AND DOCUMENTATION
Thank you, NY Times. I hope this makes it onto today's TV news and is featured in Fareed Zakaria's GPS or another talk show Sunday morning. Americans need to know what authoritarianism looks like: Erdogan!
Thank you, NY Times. I hope this makes it onto today's TV news and is featured in Fareed Zakaria's GPS or another talk show Sunday morning. Americans need to know what authoritarianism looks like: Erdogan!
1
Why are these thugs allowed to get away with this assault? Why were they not taken into custody? I doubt if they all have the kind of diplomatic immunity that would cover this behavior. They should be in the DC jail right now.
2
If diplomatic immunity prevents us from charging these thugs, then we must atleast revoke the visas of these security personnel to prevent their return to the US ever again.
6
Erdogan unleashed his thugs on American protestors, not because he views Trump as a kindred spirit, but because he sees Trump as a weak, feckless leader, and he (correctly) believes that he can act with impunity on American soil.
I'm sure this newfound contempt for American power will extend to foreign affairs as well: the longer Trump is in office, the more our national prestige will fall.
I'm sure this newfound contempt for American power will extend to foreign affairs as well: the longer Trump is in office, the more our national prestige will fall.
1
Since their act disrespect US sovereignty and laws, US Gov't should black list all of them, including the Turk Prez, from entering US again. They are so used to trampling human rights at home, these ppl rule above the laws and any deceny.
Trump america. Invite dictators to visit and allow their security to kick the bejabbers out of american citizens. Protest is going to get much more dangerous.
1
I am amazed that there was no Diplomatic Security Service agents from the State Department assigned to this detail. Isn't that the norm for visiting foreign leaders rather than letting thugish security offices with guns run rampant on the streets of Washington D.C. attacking American citizens practicing the rights which Erdogan is eradicating in Turkey? Are we just going to take it and limp away? Or is the State Department and the White House going to show that they have any kind of a backbone or expelling the Ambassador? Unfortunately, I don't have much faith that we'll do anything because our President seems to love anyone who has no respect for law and order (see Duterte).
1
This is really disturbing. But the thing more disturbing than this is the normalization of this behavior. Is this the society we want our children to grow up in where peaceful protesters are manhandled, a journalist is body slammed during an interview. Why do we keep normalizing this stuff? This is not the way a civil society is meant to function.
101
Meh...given how often protesters clog NYC just to vent their spleens, I can't say I am too bothered by some of them getting a boot to the face. The same goes for ambush journalists. Protesters and journalists seem to be sacred cows around here, but, for the most part, they have little value as currently composed.
To QED : Wow. If you find protestors and journalists so troublesome, I have a few suggestions of countries you might want to try out living in. Turkey is one, for starters. Then you won't have to concern yourself with ferreting out truth; it will be only what Erdogan tells you. And you won't have to concern yourself with pesky protestors or the need to write comments to the NYT -- your free speech will be only that what Erdogan allows you to say or the risk of a boot to YOUR face. How about instead of making American great again, we all agree to make it civil again.
1
Appreciation and acknowledgement should be given to the men and women in blue who came to the aid of protestors.
In one clip, a uniformed officer uses his night stick to stop two Turkish security men who are punching a protestor. The two men wheel around in defensive martial art poses, ready to fight and then stop when they realize it is a uniformed DC officer.
Two women officers, holding hands to form a barricade, push back Turkish men identified as wearing a "summer casual" Turkish uniform.
In every video clip, you can see officers attempting to stop the Turkish Detail.
The police upheld and defended the American right to peaceful protest this day. I wonder how many clicks a headline that read "Capitol Police Defend Protestors" would have generated.
In one clip, a uniformed officer uses his night stick to stop two Turkish security men who are punching a protestor. The two men wheel around in defensive martial art poses, ready to fight and then stop when they realize it is a uniformed DC officer.
Two women officers, holding hands to form a barricade, push back Turkish men identified as wearing a "summer casual" Turkish uniform.
In every video clip, you can see officers attempting to stop the Turkish Detail.
The police upheld and defended the American right to peaceful protest this day. I wonder how many clicks a headline that read "Capitol Police Defend Protestors" would have generated.
139
@B Dawson, I appreciate the Capitol Police defending the protestors, also. But I will point out that I noticed it immediately, that day, when I saw the film footage, and I believe that most Americans who saw the film footage would have noticed it, too. Those of us who criticize the police, these days, do it when we see the U.S. police acting like thugs. We also feel pride in them when they do their jobs honorably.
The police did what they could —and the Turkish brutes are lucky they backed off after billy clubs came out. Things could have gotten severely ugly, as if they weren't ugly enough.
I think that appreciation of the Capitol Police is implicit, and I would definitely click on the headline you suggest. It is a fundamental tenet of good journalism, however, not to bury the lead. In this story, the lead is the shocking and grossly illegal attack on these protesters, some American citizens, by employees of a foreign state. I watched the video in horror amplified by the image of Erdogan watching from his car, no doubt savoring his and his thugs' diplomatic immunity.
1
Great reporting by the NYT. The Turkish goon squads abused their authority and acted with impunity. This can not be permitted and if nothing is done, what's next? Philippines Duterte goons will massacre protesters? There is no excuse for the abuse and the hitting of peaceful protesters like soccer balls, even while they lay on the ground. The Erdogan gangsters must be charged and brought to justice. Our flaccid State Department must demand a public apology as well as compensation for the victims.
112
Fascism comes to America
90
I'm afraid it was already here...
There is not one single excuse for these violent actions. All responesable need to be prosecuted and the embassy needs to be kicked off of U.S. soil. These are the actions of a dictator towards American citizins doing their Constitutionally protected right of peaceful protest. Disgusting, criminal, and it cannot go unpunished, otherwise we are giving permission to this and other acts of facism.
64
It is a horror what this monster is doing to the citizens of his country. How dare these thugs come to the United States and behave so viciously on our soil.
55
Why is such a detail of thugs allowed to operate in the United States. The people that they attacked were not on Turkish property, and some were not Turks. We allow peaceful protests in America. The thugs do not have diplomatic immunity; they should all be charged with the highest crimes allowable and imprisoned if convicted. It is quite clear that Turkey has become a dictatorship at home, but should not be allowed to behave like one outside its Embassy in Washington, D.C..
56
The President needs to do something, there is no way ever that this kind of thing should happen on American soil to Americans , no matter what their political affiliation is. Nobody is allowed to beat Americans, ever. Trump needs to stand up and demand that Turkey return those thugs to the US for prosecution.
64
Our so-called president will do nothing about this behavior. He encourages it.
1
I must say the metro police did an outstanding job of controlling their actions in a very bad situation. With the amount of gun-power among the attackers, this could have been much worse if the police had acted any more aggressively.
20
I suppose. I agree that it certainly could have been worse.
However, the police are supposed to protect unarmed protesters, including women, from being beaten and kicked on the ground. Arresting a few of these bodyguards and muscle men would have sent a clear message about what happened there, even if the goons were then released because of their credentials.
However, the police are supposed to protect unarmed protesters, including women, from being beaten and kicked on the ground. Arresting a few of these bodyguards and muscle men would have sent a clear message about what happened there, even if the goons were then released because of their credentials.
1
That all out full on soccer kick to the man on the grounds face could have easily killed him if it had landed in the wrong place. This all happened so fast I am not blaming the police who were trying their hardest to keep the Turks from crossing the street. That said, the Turks should be told they can expect police to engage much more forcibly in defense of any future innocent lawful abiding peaceful protestors in the future. There are places in the US where one of the protesters might have legally been carrying and entirely in their rights to use their weapon defensively.
1
This analysis and graphical layout does an incredible job of explaining who was involved and what can be seen in the videos. Watching the original footage is useful, but the scene was so chaotic it made it difficult to understand everything that was going on. Hopefully this reporting helps the story get the attention it deserves.
82
This is just sickening. This is what happens when the president/gov't labels anyone protesting them as "terrorists". These people are despicable in every sense and should never be allowed back in the US. Those involved who live here should be prosecuted and hopefully sued by their victims. We still have rule of law here, though it is gone in Turkey.
36
Keep these people out of America. They are not welcome.
39
i really hope this never repeats itself. turkey has a history with its security staff and ide hate to think that they can manhandle our citizens without impunity
12
Why on earth did the police not arrest this offenders? If I were one of the injured protestors, I would sue the police and demand the district attorney bring the attackers up on charges. This is the United States of America, not Turkey for heaven's sake!
43
Sarah, I had the same reaction. Why were the police not reacting forcefully to restrain the attackers? I can't imagine, after seeing these films, that there was any question among law enforcement at the scene who the aggressors were. It certainly wasn't the protestors. Erdogan's thugs just prove the very issues being protested! There must be consequences for the behavior of these thugs on American soil.
1
Turkish security bodyguard-thugs think they are in Turkey, where freedom is trampled on every day by their "democratic" dictatorship.
Unfortunately, little to nothing will be done about this.
More robust police presence might help next time.
Unfortunately, little to nothing will be done about this.
More robust police presence might help next time.
26
Yes, they did. And yes, they should be charged with felony assault - regardless of diplomatic status. The Turkish Ambassador should be expelled, the Turkish Embassy should be closed and the U.S. should pull all of our nukes out of Turkey.
86
Thank you, NYT, for presenting such a clear and compelling account of this outrageous behavior. Erdogan and his followers are thugs. If the US government was led by decent people, it would demand accountability and restitution. But alas, I have little expectation that our thugs will demand justice for the victims of their thugs.
143
No offense, but I've seen this in quite a few other places before this article went up. I want to know why the police didn't arrest anyone, even if they are with the Turkish ambassador. They need to go to jail or be expelled.
As the GOP under Paul Ryan makes clear, this is acceptable behavior. Just look at proud 2nd Amendment advocate Greg Gianforte—he physically assaults a member of the press and is elected to office the next day. Paul Ryan says nothing.
The GOP is a craven, wannabe autocratic collection of thugs and corporate shills. They are toxic and are destroying the fabric of American Democracy.
The GOP is a craven, wannabe autocratic collection of thugs and corporate shills. They are toxic and are destroying the fabric of American Democracy.
59
I simply can't imagine this happening, with no repercussions whatsoever - not even an expression of disapproval from the White House - in any administration prior to the current one.
118
Why is the headline phrased in the form of a question? It's a disservice to the truth. Indeed, so is the headline "Trump Appears to Push Aside the Leader of Montenegro." Why is the Times questioning the very images it publishes? It implies that we cannot believe our eyes. The truth is that Trump shoved Markovic aside, just as it is the truth that a Turkish security detail attacked protestors. To put a question mark at the end of these assertions is cowardly. Stand up for reality.
206
Pretty clearly the men involved should be arrested and charged.
50
Diplomatic immunity should not prevent the police from charging these thugs with crimes. As AG Sessions would say, "Find the toughest charge you can and press it." Once they're convicted, expel them from the country and ban them from ever coming back.
101
Except that's exactly what it does. That is what diplomatic immunity is. I live in DC and you can't even give a diplomat a speeding ticket or parking ticket. Immune.
1