US Ambassador Mark Lippert Attacked in South Korea - East Idaho News
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US Ambassador Mark Lippert Attacked in South Korea

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thinkstock 3.4.15 southkoreamap?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1425513327804oztasbc/iStock/Thinkstock(SEOUL, South Korea) — The U.S Ambassador to South Korea was attacked in the country’s capital on Wednesday while giving a speech, officials say.

Photos from South Korea’s official news agency show Ambassador Mark Lippert with blood on his hand and holding his face. He was attacked by what the Yonhap news agency described was “an armed man” who shouted, “No to war training!” before attacking him.

Lippert was attacked with a 10-inch fruit knife, police told ABC News.

He was assaulted Thursday morning local time and is being treated at a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the State Department.

His assailant was arrested, according to Robert Ogburn, an official at the U.S. embassy in Seoul, who said the U.S. strongly condemned the “senseless act of violence.”

President Obama called him to tell him that “he and his wife Robyn are in his thoughts and prayers, and to wish him the very best for a speedy recovery,” according to National Security Council spokesperson Bernadette Meehan.

Lippert previously held positions at the Department of Defense from May 2012 until September 2014, according to the embassy website.

 Thoughts are w/@mwlippert & his family after today’s senseless attack. Grateful to people of #Korea for their care for him & well wishes.

 

 


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