U.S. Ambassador Suffers Wounds to Wrist, Face in South Korea Knife Attack

A U.S. Ambassador was injured in South Korea on Thursday when an attacker slashed him with a 10-inch blade in the face and wrist while claiming that North Korea and South Korea should be reunited.

The incident occurred Thursday near a performing arts center in Seoul, South Korea where U.S. Ambassador Mark Lippert was preparing to deliver a lecture. Lippert was reportedly attacked by a suspect,a 55-year-old male surnamed Kim.

Kim was reportedly wielding a 10-inch long knife blade and wearing a Korean hanbok when he attacked the ambassador, reportedly yelling "South and North Korea should be reunified."

The suspect was apprehended by bystanders, and photos from the incident show a shocked-looking Lippert being rushed to a waiting car, applying pressure to his wrist and right cheek where he had been injured. Lippert was reportedly treated at a local hospital and suffers no life-threatening injuries.

Thursday's attack received criticism by both President Barack Obama and the U.S. State Department.

US National Security Council spokeswoman Bernadette Meehan told BBC News that Obama called Lippert personally to wish him "the very best for a speedy recovery."

The U.S. State Department added in a brief statement that they "strongly condemn this act of violence."

Deputy Spokeswoman for the State Department Marie Harf also shared a series of tweets Thursday to serve as updates for Lippert's condition.

"We can confirm that U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea @mwlippert was assaulted this AM in Seoul, injuries are not life threatening," Harf tweeted.