A Portuguese Public Security Police (PSP) officer was seriously injured after being violently assaulted at Lisbon Airport on Monday, 6 July, authorities said, as the Interior Ministry condemned what it described as an "unacceptable" attack on law enforcement.
The suspect, a 27-year-old Irish national, is being held in custody at the PSP's Lisbon Metropolitan Command and is due to appear before a judge.
According to the PSP, officers were called to the baggage reclaim area at Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport following reports of a disruptive passenger. Before police arrived, the man allegedly assaulted an employee of ground handling company Menzies near the Versailles café on the fifth floor of the terminal.
The force said the suspect became "extremely violent and aggressive" when officers attempted to restore order and restrain him, physically attacking the responding police officers.
Several officers suffered injuries, including facial wounds and other trauma requiring medical treatment. One officer sustained serious injuries and remains in hospital.
"Despite the assaults they were subjected to, the officers managed to control and arrest the suspect, ensuring the safety of everyone else present at the airport," the PSP said in a statement.
Footage of the incident has circulated widely on social media, including accounts run by police unions.
The Independent Union of Police Officers (SIAP) said the attack highlighted the need for greater staffing levels and improved equipment for officers carrying out airport security and border control duties.
"Safety cannot be guaranteed solely through the professionalism and courage of police officers," the union said, calling for greater investment and working conditions that reflect the risks officers face.
Interior Minister Luís Neves condemned the assault, saying attacks of this nature were "unacceptable and deserve the strongest condemnation by the State". He expressed his "full solidarity" with the officers involved.
The Interior Ministry confirmed that, in addition to assaulting the police officer, the suspect had allegedly attacked two airport security guards before his arrest.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
Portugal strengthened legal protections for members of the security forces in April 2025, increasing prison sentences for assaults against police officers. Under the current legislation, assault causing bodily harm to a member of the security forces is punishable by between one and four years' imprisonment, rising to between one and five years in more serious cases.
Source: SIC
Photo credit: SIC
