New York Times reveals Turkish president’s security detail’s involvement in Washington demonstration attack

The New York Times has scrutinized the May 16 brawl outside the Turkish envoy’s residence in Washington, USA. New York Times examined footage from the scene to determine if indeed president Erdogan’s security detail attacked the peaceful protesters. “The New York Times reviewed videos and photos to track the actions of 24 men, including armed members of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s security detail, who attacked protesters in Washington last week. Many of the protesters were American citizens,” the newspaper said.

“Ten of the men who attacked protesters appear to be part of a formal security detail. They dressed in dark suits, and they wore in-ear radio receivers, Turkish breast pins and lanyards with identification cards. At least four of the men carried guns.

Two of these men charged protesters and appeared to start the main part of the fight,” the New York Times reported, showing the photos of the attackers. New York Times used different camera angles to track movements of the individuals, and footage shows Turkish and American flags on the ID card of one individual, which proves he is a member of the visiting delegation.

Another group of people were identified by the newspaper as ‘Men in Khaki’. “Six men who attacked protesters wore outfits resembling a summer uniform worn by Turkish guards – khaki pants, black T-shirts and green or brown shirts.”, the New York Times said. “These three men charged at protesters. One man knocked two women to the ground, and another man repeatedly punched Lucy Usoyan, a protester, as she lay on the ground.”

The American newspaper also pointed out ‘Civilian Supporters of Erdogan’ – who also attacked and repeatedly punched the peaceful protesters. The New York Times also identified three bodyguards of the Turkish president. “Turkey’s president, Mr. Erdogan, watched the brawl from a black Mercedes-Benz sedan parked nearby, at the Turkish ambassador’s residence.

His role in the clash, if any, is unclear. But video of his entourage shows that at least one member of the security detail positioned next to him rushed into the fight and started kicking and punching protesters. 26.05.2017 New York Times reveals Turkish president’s security detail’s involvement in Washington demonstration attack

While sitting in the car, Mr. Erdogan conferred with Muhsin Kose, his head of security, who leaned into the car’s rear door. 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. Mr. Kose talked to Mr. Erdogan throughout the brawl.

Two of Mr. Kose’s colleagues met on the lawn as the brawl ended and return to the car, and then Mr. Erdogan left his car and entered the ambassador’s residence. Several minutes elapsed between the earlier scuffle on the street and Mr. Erdogan’s arrival, during which the police separated the groups and Turkish security personnel remained behind police lines. A few seconds after Mr. Kose spoke into his earpiece, the men charged,” the New York Times reported.