Two Turkish nationals were arrested Wednesday for their involvement in a brawl outside the Turkish Embassy in Washington D.C., during Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit last month.
The Metropolitan Police Department said Sinan Narin, of Virginia, and Eyup Yildirim, of New Jersey, were arrested Wednesday and given felony assault charges.
Arrest warrants for the two were issued by the U.S. Marshall’s office in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department.
According to D.C.’s police chief, 10 people and a police officer were injured after a peaceful protest turned into brawl when Turkish officials sought to scatter the demonstrators outside the embassy.
The incident has also prompted bipartisan calls from lawmakers for Turkey to be punished. The House earlier in June unanimously passed a resolution condemning Turkey over the attack.
“Today, the House sent an unequivocal message that violence against peaceful demonstrators will not be tolerated. The blame for this assault lies with the Turkish government alone,” Speaker Paul Ryan said after the House resolution was passed.
Sen. John McCain also offered strong criticism of the Turkish government, calling for the U.S. to “throw their ambassador the hell out” of the country in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
According to reports, the State Department had to wait for charges before they could remove the pair from the country.
