A man has been found guilty of assault after a call to UK police from the son of a former US President led to his arrest. Matvei Rumiantsev, 23, has been sentenced to four years in custody, having already served two years while awaiting trial.
Details of the Incident
The incident began on January 18, 2025, when the now 20-year-old Trump contacted UK authorities after witnessing an assault on a woman during a video call. According to a transcript released by the Crown Prosecution Service, Trump told the police operator, “I’m calling from the US, uh I just got a call from a girl, you know, she’s getting beat up.”
When asked about his connection to the woman, Trump stated he met her on social media and initially dismissed the relevance of this information, saying, “I don’t think these details matter, she’s getting beat up.” The police operator responded by asking him to “stop being rude and actually answer my questions.”
Prosecutors presented evidence that Rumiantsev and the woman had been drinking together the evening before the assault and into the morning of January 18th. The prosecution alleged Rumiantsev assaulted the woman, including hitting her in the face.
During the trial, Rumiantsev admitted to being “jealous to some extent,” but claimed the woman was “leading him [Trump] on.” He maintained that the trial focused on whether he “attacked her or not.”
The Verdict and Cautionary Note
Rumiantsev was found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and perverting the course of justice. However, he was acquitted of charges of rape and intentional strangulation, as well as separate allegations of rape and assault from November 2024.
It is possible Rumiantsev will appeal the conviction, though no such action has been announced. It is similarly possible the victim will pursue further legal avenues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Trump first contact the police?
Trump called 999, the emergency number for the City of London Police, from the United States after witnessing the assault on a video call.
What was the duration of the assault as witnessed by Trump?
Trump told police the entire interaction lasted “maybe one second” before the camera flipped to “the victim getting hit while crying,” and the whole event lasted “five to seven seconds.”
What charges was Rumiantsev ultimately convicted of?
Rumiantsev was convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and perverting the course of justice.
Given the unusual circumstances of this case, how might the role of technology in witnessing and reporting crimes evolve in the future?
