Serdar Kılıç

The incidents on May 16 outside the Ambassador’s Residence in Washington could have been prevented.

The initial accounting revealed that rival groups of demonstrators had clashed in front of the residence on Sheridan Circle. Yet the video footage later released on social networks did not show this clash. Two stories emerged to explain what had happened. One — which unfortunately took hold in Washington — came entirely from that incomplete and manipulative video.

A much different and truthful story exists actually, one consistent with what really happened, why it happened and rooted in a full accounting of the events that day. Preceding events, not shown in that video, are key to understanding the whole picture.

A group of Turkish Americans had gathered to voice their support for President Erdogan and to meet him in person. About the same time, a group of protesters carrying symbols of the terrorist group PKK/YPG moved from the White House to Sheridan Circle. The two groups faced each other without being separated.

Then the protesters started to throw objects at the Turkish Americans gathered to welcome the president. The two groups clashed, and the fight began. One of the Turkish Americans was seriously hurt.

OUR VIEW:

Turkey henchmen kick First Amendment

President Erdogan’s motorcade and security detail arrived with this scene unfolding before them. Unfortunately, although they had already proved to be violent, the so-called peaceful demonstrators were allowed to remain roughly 30 feet from the president.

These incidents would never have happened if the demonstrators, following their initial violent behavior and provocation, were taken to the other side of Sheridan Circle — also a public space where First Amendment rights could be exercised — ensuring enough security distance between the two demonstrating groups and the president’s security.

The right to freely assemble should not compromise the security of foreign dignitaries, especially those from countries like Turkey that suffer the scourge of terrorism. Necessary measures should be taken to prevent these kinds of incidents during foreign dignitaries’ visits.

Serdar Kılıç is Turkey’s ambassador to the United States.