US Army Soldier Travis King Charged with Desertion After Crossing into North Korea
October 20, 2023 | 142 AM PDT
Updated 6 months ago
The United States Army has charged Private Travis King with a range of crimes, including desertion, after he crossed the Military Demarcation Line into North Korea in July 2023. The charges were announced by the Army on Wednesday, October 19.
Private King, who was stationed in South Korea at the time of the incident, is alleged to have gone missing on July 15, 2023. He was later seen on video crossing the Military Demarcation Line into North Korea on July 17. The video shows King walking towards a North Korean guard post and then being escorted away by the guards.
The Army's investigation into the incident revealed that Private King had been planning his defection to North Korea for several months. In the days leading up to his departure, he allegedly sent several text messages to his handlers expressing his desire to defect. He reportedly told them that he was disillusioned with the war in Iraq and Afghanistan and that he wanted to live in a socialist country.
Private King was eventually returned to the U.S. by North Korea on September 12, 2023. He is currently being held in a military prison while awaiting trial.
The charges against Private King include desertion, aiding the enemy, and unauthorized absence. He could face a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted of all charges.
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