Prosecutors seek arrest warrant for man who attacked U.S. ambassador

2015-03-06 7

We begin with the legal aftermath of Thursday's attack on U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert.
Prosecutors are seeking an arrest warrant for the man who slashed the envoy with a knife.
Connie Kim reports on how the assailant will likely face several charges, including attempted murder.
Prosecutors are seeking an arrest warrant to charge the man who carried out a bloody knife attack on U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert... with attempted murder, business obstruction and violence against a foreign envoy.
The prosecution said the attack was intentional, considering that the 55-year-old was equipped with the 10-inch knife he used in the incident.
He had reportedly been planning the attack for ten days.

A special investigative team will look into the motives behind the assault and whether the attacker was working with an accomplice.
It's focusing on Kim's pro-North Korea activities and could charge him with violating the National Security Law that bars sympathizing with North Korea...if enough evidence is found.
Kim traveled to North Korea seven times from 1999 to 2007.
He also attempted to set up a memorial in Seoul to the late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il upon his death in 2011.
Another possible motive for the attack -- as he was being arrested, Kim voiced his opposition to ongoing military exercises between Korea and the U.S. and demanded they come to a halt.
The attack on the U.S. ambassador was the first of its kind in Korea.
High-level officials from the government, ruling party and the presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae have agreed to share information with Washington in line with the countries' bilateral ties.
Lippert is at a local hospital recovering from surgery he received after the attack to repair his face and hand injuries… and doctors say he can be discharged as early as next week.
Connie Kim, Arirang News.