US Court Holds Turkey Liable for 2017 Attack by Erdogan's Bodyguards on Protesters

Turkey Found Liable in 2017 Washington D.C. Attack

A United States federal court has found the government of Turkey liable for civil assault, battery, and violating the District of Columbia's hate-crime statute. The ruling stems from a violent incident on May 16, 2017, when members of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's security detail attacked peaceful protesters in Washington, D.C.. The default judgment was issued on October 7, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, after Turkey abruptly abandoned the case and ceased its participation in the proceedings.

The Violent Incident at Sheridan Circle

The altercation occurred outside the Turkish ambassador's residence at Sheridan Circle during President Erdoğan's visit to the U.S. capital. Protesters, primarily Kurdish and anti-Erdogan demonstrators, many of whom were ethnic minorities of Kurdish and Yazidi descent, had gathered peacefully on a sidewalk. Video footage of the incident showed men in suits, identified as Erdoğan's bodyguards, along with pro-Erdogan supporters, pushing, shoving, kicking, and bludgeoning the demonstrators. At least nine people were injured, some seriously, in the melee. Reports indicated that President Erdoğan was seen watching the attack unfold from his vehicle before entering the residence. The incident took place shortly after Erdoğan's official meeting with then-President Donald Trump at the White House.

Years of Legal Battles and Immunity Claims

Following the attack, criminal charges were initially filed against 19 individuals, including 15 of Erdoğan's security guards. However, charges against 11 of the bodyguards were later dropped in March 2018, reportedly due to evidentiary reasons. Separately, victims of the assault pursued civil lawsuits against the government of Turkey, seeking damages for their injuries.

Turkey consistently attempted to dismiss these lawsuits by invoking the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA), arguing it was immune from such legal action. However, U.S. courts repeatedly rejected these claims:

• In February 2020, U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly denied Turkey's motion to dismiss, ruling that the country was not entitled to immunity under the FSIA.
• The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld this decision in July 2021, allowing the lawsuits to proceed.
• The U.S. Supreme Court further solidified these rulings by declining to hear Turkey's appeal in October 2022.

Default Judgment and Future Implications

The recent default judgment by Judge Kollar-Kotelly formally adopted a detailed report and recommendation prepared by Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Sharbaugh. The court concluded that anti-Kurdish prejudice was a 'but-for cause' of the assault, holding Turkey liable for civil assault, civil battery, and false imprisonment. The ruling establishes Turkey's liability but does not yet determine the amount of damages. Plaintiffs are now expected to seek compensation for various harms, including medical costs, psychological trauma, and lost income.