South Korean police have sought a warrant against the man accused of attacking a U.S. ambassador with a knife, and plan to seek charges of attempted murder and violence on a foreign mission. Kim Ki-jong, 55, could also be charged with violating national security laws, police said Friday.
Kim is accused of slashing the ambassador, Mark Lippert, in the face and arms in Seoul Thursday. The attack left Lippert with a four-inch gash on his face and a wound to his arm that required three hours of surgery.
Police said Kim, who officials said has visited North Korea six times from 2006 to 2007 and shouted that the two countries should be unified as he lunged at Lippert, was angry about joint military exercises by South Korean and U.S. troops. "I carried out an act of terror," Kim shouted as he was pinned to the floor by bystanders.
As he was led from the police station en route to the courthouse Friday, Kim shouted, " I am sick," and "I have no relations with the North Korea."
Lippert said on Twitter that he is "doing well" and "in great spirits," adding, "Will be back ASAP to advance US-ROK Alliance!" South Korea is officially known as the Republic of Korea, or ROK.
IN-DEPTH
- How Did Attacker Get Close Enough to Slash Ambassador?
- North Korea Calls Attack on U.S. Ambassador Lippert 'Punishment'
- U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert Attacked With Knife
