Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement today regarding Kenneth Bae, the Lynnwood man who has been detained in North Korea for more than a year.

“The United States has repeatedly shown we are eager to work with North Korea and our international partners to secure Kenneth’s return home. A State Department special envoy agreed to visit North Korea in August to secure his release, but was rebuffed at the last possible minute.

“North Korea’s publicity stunts aside, we continue our call on North Korea to grant Kenneth a pardon and special amnesty so he can come home to his family. I stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Kenneth’s family and the U.S. State Department as we work together to ensure his safe return home.”