Barron Trump Describes Witnessing Alleged Assault on Video Call
Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, told police he was 'very close' to an alleged rape victim after raising the alarm about a suspected assault against her, a court has heard. The details emerged during proceedings at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London.
Emergency Call Transcript Reveals Social Media Connection
A transcript of an emergency call released by the Crown Prosecution Service shows Trump informing the operator that he had met the alleged victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, on social media. During the call, made in the early hours of 18 January last year, Trump urgently reported: 'She's getting beat up.'
When questioned by the operator about how he came by this information, Trump clarified it was not through social media content but rather: 'No, no ... a video call.' He appeared frustrated by procedural questions, insisting: 'I mean these details don't matter, she's getting beat up.'
Court Hears Details of What Trump Witnessed
The court heard that Trump was on a video call with the woman when he saw a man repeatedly punch her. In a subsequent email to Metropolitan Police officers investigating the allegations, Trump elaborated on what he witnessed, describing the incident as 'very brief indeed but indeed prevalent.'
He detailed how the phone was picked up during the call, revealing: 'The individual who answered was a shirtless man with darkish hair. This view lasted maybe one second ... then the view flipped to the victim.' Trump explained he hadn't expected her to answer due to the time difference between their locations.
In his police correspondence, Trump emphasised his relationship with the alleged victim, writing: 'I was told by the victim, who I am very close with, that this individual was giving her difficulty for a long time.' Beyond making the emergency call himself, Trump told authorities he had also asked two friends in the United States to contact police.
Trial Continues for Matvei Rumiantsev
Matvei Rumiantsev, 22, is currently on trial facing multiple charges including:
- Assault
- Actual bodily harm
- Two counts of rape
- Intentional strangulation
- Perverting the course of justice by allegedly pressuring the woman to withdraw her complaints
Rumiantsev, who appeared in the dock wearing a blue suit and white shirt, denies all charges. Jurors have heard that the alleged victim is friends with the US president's son.
Emergency Call Dynamics Revealed
The emergency call transcript reveals tense exchanges between Trump and the operator. When pressed for details about his relationship with the woman, Trump 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.'
The operator retorted: 'Can you stop being rude and actually answer my questions. If you want to help the person, you'll answer my questions clearly and precisely.' After admitting he didn't know the name of the alleged assailant, Trump offered: 'Sorry for being rude.'
During the call, Trump explained his urgency, stating: 'This was happening about eight minutes ago. I just figured out how to call someone ... it's really an emergency.' The trial continues at Snaresbrook Crown Court as proceedings unfold.
