The family of Otto Warmbier broke with President Donald Trump on Friday, maintaining that they feel that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is responsible for Warmbier's death.
"We have been respectful during this summit process. Now we must speak out. Kim and his evil regime are responsible for the death of our son Otto. Kim and his evil regime are responsible for the unimaginable cruelty and inhumanity. No excuses or lavish praise can change that," a statement from Fred and Cindy Warmbier read .
Hours later, President Trump backtracked on his Thursday statement, when he said he took Kim "at his word" that he didn't know Warmbier had been injured while in the custody of North Korea. "Of course I hold North Korea responsible for Otto's mistreatment and death," the president tweeted Friday afternoon.
I never like being misinterpreted, but especially when it comes to Otto Warmbier and his great family. Remember, I got Otto out along with three others. The previous Administration did nothing, and he was taken on their watch. Of course I hold North Korea responsible....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 1, 2019
....for Otto’s mistreatment and death. Most important, Otto Warmbier will not have died in vain. Otto and his family have become a tremendous symbol of strong passion and strength, which will last for many years into the future. I love Otto and think of him often!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 1, 2019
Warmbier, a Cincinnati, Ohio native and student at the University of Virginia was arrested in January 2016 while visiting North Korea on a guided tour, accused of attempting to steal a propaganda poster. He was released in June of 2017, but had suffered a neurological injury. He was taken off life support shortly after returning home.
