U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Attacked by Blade-Wielding Assailant

(Yonhap News)

The U.S. ambassador to South Korea was attacked and wounded by at least one armed assailant on his way to a breakfast lecture event, according to Yonhap News Agency.

State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said his injuries are not life-threatening and there was “no known motive.” He’s being treated at a hospital.

South Korea’s YTN News reported that the attacker, armed with a razor blade, was heard yelling something about Korean unification. The assailant also reportedly said he was opposed to joint military drills being conducted by the U.S. and South Korea.

North Korea warned Tuesday that it could deter the U.S. by “conducting a pre-emptive strike.”

Lippert, 42, became ambassador in Seoul last fall. He used to be chief of staff to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and is close to President Obama, whom he advised on foreign policy in his first presidential campaign.

PHOTO: YTN image of Lippert attack suspect, apparently shouted his name Kim during assault – @L0gg0l pic.twitter.com/YHL08DNJMy

— Conflict News (@rConflictNews) March 4, 2015