By — Larisa Epatko Larisa Epatko Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/knife-wielding-man-arrested-attack-u-s-ambassador Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Knife-wielding man arrested after attack on U.S. ambassador World Mar 5, 2015 11:35 AM EDT U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert was attacked in Seoul on Thursday by a man wielding a 10-inch knife, who managed to slash his face and wrist before being wrestled to the ground. Lippert, 42, was attending a breakfast meeting of the Sejong Cultural Institute in the center of the South Korean capital. He was taken to a hospital and received 80 stitches to his face. The assailant, who identified himself at the scene as Kim Ki-jong after being subdued and arrested, was protesting joint U.S.-South Korea military drills, said Jongno Police Station chief Yun Myeong Seong at a televised briefing. In this handout image provided by The Asia Economy Daily newspaper, the man identified as Kim Ki-jong is arrested at the site in Seoul where U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert was attacked on March 5, 2015. Photo by Handout/The Asia Economy Daily via Getty Images Kim reportedly said during the attack, “South and North Korea should be reunified.” The U.S.-South Korean military drills are viewed by North Korea and its allies as preparation for an invasion. Lippert tweeted that he would be back in action soon: Doing well&in great spirits! Robyn, Sejun, Grigsby & I – deeply moved by the support! Will be back ASAP to advance US-ROK alliance! 같이 갑시다! — Mark Lippert (@mwlippert) March 5, 2015 The State Department issued a statement saying U.S. law enforcement is working with the Korean National Police on the incident. “The U.S.-ROK (Republic of Korea) alliance is strong; we will not be deterred by senseless acts of violence,” said the department’s deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf. Follow @NewsHourWorld We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Larisa Epatko Larisa Epatko Larisa Epatko produced multimedia web features and broadcast reports with a focus on foreign affairs for the PBS NewsHour. She has reported in places such as Jordan, Pakistan, Iraq, Haiti, Sudan, Western Sahara, Guantanamo Bay, China, Vietnam, South Korea, Turkey, Germany and Ireland. @NewsHourWorld
U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert was attacked in Seoul on Thursday by a man wielding a 10-inch knife, who managed to slash his face and wrist before being wrestled to the ground. Lippert, 42, was attending a breakfast meeting of the Sejong Cultural Institute in the center of the South Korean capital. He was taken to a hospital and received 80 stitches to his face. The assailant, who identified himself at the scene as Kim Ki-jong after being subdued and arrested, was protesting joint U.S.-South Korea military drills, said Jongno Police Station chief Yun Myeong Seong at a televised briefing. In this handout image provided by The Asia Economy Daily newspaper, the man identified as Kim Ki-jong is arrested at the site in Seoul where U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert was attacked on March 5, 2015. Photo by Handout/The Asia Economy Daily via Getty Images Kim reportedly said during the attack, “South and North Korea should be reunified.” The U.S.-South Korean military drills are viewed by North Korea and its allies as preparation for an invasion. Lippert tweeted that he would be back in action soon: Doing well&in great spirits! Robyn, Sejun, Grigsby & I – deeply moved by the support! Will be back ASAP to advance US-ROK alliance! 같이 갑시다! — Mark Lippert (@mwlippert) March 5, 2015 The State Department issued a statement saying U.S. law enforcement is working with the Korean National Police on the incident. “The U.S.-ROK (Republic of Korea) alliance is strong; we will not be deterred by senseless acts of violence,” said the department’s deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf. Follow @NewsHourWorld We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now