A 26-year-old Irish tourist was arrested Monday afternoon at Lisbon Airport following a violent incident in the baggage claim area. The man is accused of assaulting an airport worker before resorting to physical violence against responding police officers, who sustained serious injuries requiring medical treatment.
According to a statement from the Portuguese Public Security Police (PSP), the incident began when the suspect allegedly assaulted an employee of Menzies Aviation near a cafe on the fifth floor of the terminal. When PSP officers arrived to intervene, the individual reportedly became "extremely violent and aggressive," physically attacking the officers.
Footage circulating online appears to show the man kicking a member of airport staff and attacking an individual who fell to the ground. Onlookers can be heard screaming for the man to stop as police moved in.
The PSP confirmed that its officers sustained "serious injuries, including trauma and facial wounds." Despite the attacks, officers were able to subdue and arrest the suspect, ensuring the safety of other passengers. The detainee was taken to temporary holding facilities and is expected to appear before a judicial authority for his first court hearing on Tuesday.
Portugal's Minister of Internal Administration, Luis Neves, described the violence as "absolutely unacceptable." The PSP issued a statement condemning any act of violence against law enforcement officers, emphasizing that such assaults are an attack on police duties and the rule of law. The police force stated it would continue to act firmly against such behavior and hold those responsible accountable.
This incident occurred months after a separate event at Hong Kong airport in April, where a British man allegedly used a metal pole to smash check-in desks. That man, 35, was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and possession of Viagra. He reportedly damaged around 10 check-in kiosks, counters, and railings before being taken into custody.