Travis King, a U.S. Army private who crossed from South Korea into North Korea last year, admitted guilt at a general court-martial in Fort Bliss, Texas, on Friday.
King entered a plea deal, admitting to five charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), including desertion. The judge dismissed the remaining nine charges at the government’s request.
Following the plea agreement, the judge sentenced King to one year of confinement. Due to his time already served in pre-trial confinement and credit for good behaviour, King is now free.
King’s attorney, Franklin Rosenblatt, stated, “Travis explained his actions, responded to the judge’s questions regarding his guilty plea, and took responsibility for his actions.”
What in the bloody hell was Travis King thinking.
He assaults Korean citizens, then goes on a racist rank against Koreans while in custody—and then he decides to cross into North Korea.
Whatever punishment he faced in the US will pale in comparison to what he’s about to endure. pic.twitter.com/F4gMhnpt2j
— JΛKΣ (@USMCLiberal) July 19, 2023
Rosenblatt added, “Although he has accepted responsibility today, the negative public perception and ongoing consequences of his actions, coupled with the confinement endured, will continue to affect Travis King for the rest of his life.”
Rosenblatt first revealed the plea deal in August after discussions with prosecutors began in July.
A spokesperson for the Office of Special Trial Counsel confirmed in July that if King’s plea was accepted, he would be sentenced according to the plea agreement terms.
Original story: US soldier Travis King to plead guilty to desertion charges
Travis King, a U.S. Army private, plans to plead guilty to several charges, including desertion, after entering North Korea from South Korea last year. His attorney, Frank Rosenblatt, confirmed King will admit to five charges, while the rest will be dismissed. The court-martial hearing will take place on 20 September 2024 at Fort Bliss, Texas.
King was released by North Korean authorities after being detained since 18 July 2023. He had faced two months in a South Korean detention facility prior to the incident and also has other assault-related allegations in South Korea.
What Other Media Are Saying
- BBC News reported that Travis King’s guilty plea reveals the serious implications of his actions. This case raises urgent questions about military mental health support and the responsibilities soldiers bear in crisis situations. (Read more)
- CNN reported that Travis King’s guilty plea emphasises the serious repercussions of his actions. This case raises critical discussions about military mental health and the challenges soldiers face in high-pressure environments. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did Travis King run across the border from South Korea to North Korea?
King ran across the border, leading to an international incident and his detention by North Korean authorities.
What charges did Travis King plead guilty to?
King pleaded guilty to five charges under the UCMJ, including desertion.
What was King’s sentence after his guilty plea?
King was sentenced to one year of confinement but is free due to time served and good behavior credit.
What happened to King after he was released from North Korea?
King was placed in a military reintegration program at Brooke Army Medical Center upon his return to the U.S.
When did military prosecutors file criminal charges against King?
Military prosecutors filed eight criminal charges against King in October.
