OMAHA, NE — "I was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of 22-year-old American student Otto Warmbier, who had been imprisoned for 17 months by the leader of a cruel regime. I join our fellow citizens in offering my prayers to his heartbroken family at the loss of their courageous son.  Mr. Warmbier reportedly slipped into a coma over a year ago and the North Korean government did nothing to notify his family nor US officials. It was only earlier this month that US officials were allowed to visit him, upon which they demanded his immediate release on humanitarian grounds. It is reprehensible that this young man died due to the reckless attitude and disregard for human life and dignity that is the cornerstone of North Korea and Kim Jong Un’s repressive dictatorship.

North Korea owes Mr. Warmbier’s family and the entire world an explanation of what led to his injuries. What hardships did he have to endure? And what hardships is the North Korean government subjecting others to?  If found complicit in his death, they should be held responsible and whatever sanctions can be imposed should be swiftly enacted and enforced.

Furthermore, I urge President Trump to take swift action to secure the release of the remaining three American citizens who are being imprisoned in North Korea: Kim Dong-chul, Kim Hak-song and Kim Sang-dok (Tony Kim).”

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