[Itaewon Tragedy] Biden: "At Least 2 Americans Dead, Deeply Shocked"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Regarding the deaths of two Americans in the Itaewon crowd crush disaster in Seoul, U.S. President Joe Biden expressed on the 30th (local time) that he was "shocked" and sent a message of condolence to the bereaved families.

President Biden wrote on Twitter that day, "Jill (the First Lady) and I are shocked to learn that at least two of those who lost their lives in Seoul were Americans," adding, "During this time of sorrow, we send our hearts to the loved ones and will continue to pray for the recovery of all those injured."

In a separate statement issued the previous day, President Biden said, "I offer my deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones in Seoul," and "We mourn with the Korean people and wish for the speedy recovery of the injured."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) announced that as of 6 a.m. on the 31st, the Itaewon Halloween disaster resulted in a total of 303 casualties, including 154 deaths, 33 serious injuries, and 116 minor injuries. Among them, 26 foreign nationals from 14 countries died: 5 from Iran, 4 from China, 4 from Russia, 2 from the United States, 2 from Japan, and one each from France, Australia, Norway, Austria, Vietnam, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Sri Lanka.

The U.S. Embassy in Korea confirmed, "Two Americans are among the deceased in the Itaewon disaster. The U.S. Embassy and local staff are doing their best to provide consular assistance to the victims and their families."

President Biden's message came after it was confirmed that two Americans died and three were injured in the Itaewon disaster. Although the U.S. Embassy in Korea did not disclose the identities of the deceased, according to the Washington Post and The New York Times (NYT), the two Americans who died are presumed to be Steven Blessey, a student at Kennesaw State University, and Ann Giscero, a student at the University of Kentucky. Blessey's father, Steve Blessey, posted on Twitter confirming his child's death along with photos, and the University of Kentucky officially confirmed Giscero's death.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.