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U.S. Ambassador Attacked in South Korea By Blade-Wielding Assailant

U.S. Ambassador Attacked in South Korea By Blade-Wielding Assailant


The United States State Department has released a statement that revealed Ambassador Mark Lippert was attacked while giving a speech within Seoul, South Korea. His injuries were not life-threatening, but they certainly drew blood. His lecture was taking place early Thursday morning when a man armed with a large blade rushed him, swinging wildly for his face. Lippert, 42, was said to be bleeding “heavily” before being rushed to the hospital. This marks the first time a U.S. ambassador has been attacked within the country.

President Obama spoke with Lippert following the attack, wishing him the very best and a speedy recovery. Lippert was shown to be walking on his own following the attack, but was seen bleeding and holding his face as he did so.

55-year-old Kim Ki-jong was arrested following the attack. Witnesses said Lippert was sitting for breakfast ahead of his speech when he stood to shake hands with another individual. He was then tackled to the ground by Kim, who used the knife to slash at Lippert’s face and wrist. The assailant was said to have screamed “South and North Korea should be reunified” and declared his opposition to the U.S. and South Korean military drills.

Kim was previously sentenced to three years in jail following a 2010 attack on a Japanese ambassador within Seoul. In that instance, Kim was caught throwing a piece of concrete at the politician.