WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert, who was attacked by an assailant with a razor blade in Seoul, underwent surgery and is recovering, US Department of State deputy spokesperson Marie Harf said in a statement on Thursday.
"On Thursday in Seoul, US Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Mark Lippert underwent surgery to treat wounds to his face and hand following an assault earlier that day," Harf said. "He is currently recovering in the hospital."
Lippert was attacked as he was about to deliver a speech at a Sejong Hall breakfast meeting in Seoul. The attacker called for the reunification of South and North during the attack, witnesses said.
"The suspect is in custody and US law enforcement is coordinating closely with the Korean National Police who have the lead on the investigation into the assault. We cannot speculate on a motive at this time," Harf added.
Mark Lippert has been US Ambassador to South Korea since October 20, 2014. Prior to assuming the ambassadorship, Lippert served as Chief of Staff to the outgoing US Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel.
