Trump Apologized To Turkish President After Attack On Protesters, Erdogan Says

WASHINGTON, DC — President Trump not only didn't seek punishment for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after his bodyguards bloodied protesters in D.C. in May — he actually apologized for the incident, according to an explosive claim that the White House has strongly denied.

In an interview with PBS NewsHour's Judy Woodruff, Erdogan said that he was "very sorry" about the incident and that Trump called him a week ago about it. "He said that he was sorry and he told me that he was going to follow up about this issue when we come to the United States within the framework of an official visit," Erdogan said.

But the White House denies it issued an apology, according to a statement provided to Axios.

The D.C. Police Department has filed charges against many of Erdogan's bodyguards involved in the melee, although it's unlikely many of them will ever be arrested. However, it could prevent Erdogan from traveling to the United States in the future with some of his right-hand men as they would face arrest once they arrived.

Video captured of the violent incident earlier this year outside the Turkish embassy in D.C. shows men in suits punching and kicking anti-Erdogan protesters. Some have speculated that Erdogan himself may have ordered the attack. D.C. police stood by largely watching the violence unfold, possibly unsure if they could arrest an embassy's staff.

Erdogan blamed the protesters for provoking the guards by "insulting us" and "screaming and shouting," he said in the interview. He had been in town to visit with Trump.

Image via Gage Skidmore