Donald Trump has said anyone involved with causing damage to a Scottish golf course is a “terrorist” – adding he hopes they are “treated harshly”.
The incident at the Trump Turnberry course on Maidens Road, Turnberry, South Ayrshire, was reported to police at around 4.40am on Saturday March 8. Red paint was sprayed on the clubhouse at the 800-acre resort and damage was also caused to the greens.
Police Scotland said a 33-year-old man has been charged in connection with the incident, while a 75-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman previously arrested as part of the investigation have since been released pending further enquiries.
In a post on his Truth Social account on Sunday, Mr Trump said: “I was just informed by Prime Minister Starmer of the United Kingdom, that they caught the terrorists who attacked the beautiful Turnberry, in Scotland. They did serious damage, and will hopefully be treated harshly.”
Mr Trump claimed “three people who did this are in prison”, adding: “You cannot let things like this attack happen, and I greatly appreciate the work of Prime Minister Starmer, and UK Law Enforcement.” The 33-year-old man is expected to appear at Ayr Sheriff Court later today. Police Scotland said enquiries are ongoing.
Downing Street said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Trump had a phone call on Sunday evening, in which the two leaders agreed on the need to “keep up the collective pressure” on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Prime Minister also updated the US leader on the latest meeting of the so-called coalition of the willing when they spoke, according to Downing Street.
Since then, Volodymyr Zelensky has implored the US President to “force Russia into peace”. Mr Trump repeatedly fumed about Vladimir Putin for questioning Mr Zelensky’s credibility and legitimacy – even admitted he was “p*ssed off” with his Russian counterpart – after Mr Putin insisted this week the war torn country needs new leadership. Mr Trump had been critical of the Ukraine President, claimed he was “sick” of handling the war and aiding Kyiv.
But now the US leader, 78, has jumped to Mr Zelensky’s defence – so he has taken the opportunity to to encourage Mr Trump to attempt to manipulate Russia. In a post on X, the President of Ukraine, 47, said: “Right now, Russia continues looking for excuses to drag this war out even further. Putin is playing the same game he has since 2014.
“This is dangerous for everyone — and there should be an appropriate response from the United States, Europe, and all our global partners who seek peace.”
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