U.S. Ambassador Mark Lippert in 'Great Spirits' As North Korea Praises Knife Attack
U.S. Ambassador Mark Lippert, who was injured in a knife attack in Seoul, South Korea on Thursday, has tweeted that he is in "great spirits" following the violent incident.
Lippert was preparing to give a lecture at a performing arts center in Seoul when a 55-year-old male suspect, Kim ki-Jong, attacked him with a 10-inch knife blade while shouting that South Korea and North Korea should be reunited.
The U.S. Ambassador reportedly sustained injuries to his right cheek and wrist, and photos from the scene of the incident show Lippert being rushed to the hospital while covering his wounds with cloth.
According to The New York Times, Lippert received 90 stitches on his face and will reportedly take several months to fully recover from the attack.
"Doing well & in great spirits," Lippert shared on Twitter on Friday. "Robyn, Sejun, Grigsby & I - deeply moved by the support! Will be back ASAP to advance US-ROK alliance!"
Other politicians, including Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) expressed their hope for a speedy recovery to Lippert via Twitter.
"Wishing Cincinnati native US Ambassador to Korea @mwlippert speedy recovery. Grateful for his service and leadership. Stay strong, Mark," Portman shared.
North Korea has reportedly responded to Thursday's attack by praising the incident, with the state-run Korean Central News Agency saying in a statement that the attack "reflects public opinion" in South Korea and serves as a "righteous punishment" against the United States.