Barron Trump praised by UK judge for phoning 999 to report attack on friend
Barron Trump praised by UK judge for phoning 999 to report attack on friend
A Russian man, Matvei Rumiantsev, 23, has been sentenced to four years in prison after assaulting a woman and recording part of the incident to showcase it to Donald Trump’s youngest son, Barron. The attack occurred following a social media connection between the victim and the former president, sparking jealousy in Rumiantsev.
The Assault and the Call to Emergency Services
Rumiantsev used FaceTime to film the woman while she was on the floor, sobbing, as he kicked her during the assault. Barron Trump, who had just turned 20, called 999 and was connected to the City of London Police. He explained to the operator: “It’s really an emergency. I’m calling from the US, uh I just got a call from a girl, you know, she’s getting beat up.”
“He saw you beating her up and you held the phone and filmed her, an angry act to humiliate her,” said Mr Justice Bennathan.
The victim testified that during the hour-long assault, she believed she could not escape and might die. The judge noted: “You knew she was a vulnerable, emotional young woman when you attacked her.”
The Trial and the 999 Transcript
“I’m calling from the US, uh, I just got a call from a girl, you know, she’s getting beat up,” Mr Trump stated in the call.
When asked how he knew the woman, he responded: “I don’t think these details matter, she’s getting beat up but OK fine, also I met her on social media, I don’t think that matters.” Later, he added: “She’s getting really badly beat up and the call was about eight minutes ago, I don’t know what could have happened by now.”
Though he didn’t testify in court, Mr Trump’s account to police was crucial to the case. The transcript, made days before his father’s inauguration, showed his urgency to report the incident. He was even accused of being “rude” when insisting the details of his knowledge were insignificant.
On November 25, 2024, Metro launched “This Is Not Right,” a campaign to highlight the widespread issue of violence against women. Partnering with Women’s Aid, the initiative seeks to emphasize the severity of the national emergency.
