WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following the death of Otto Warmbier — a University of Virginia student who was the victim of political retribution by North Korea — U.S. Rep. Tom Garrett, R-Buckingham, spoke against the Kim Administration and called for increased sanctions to be effective immediately against North Korea.

“The detainment and subsequent treatment of Otto has forced our hand and we must take the appropriate measures to stop them dead in their tracks,” Garrett said in a press release. “As such, I call for the immediate placement of North Korea on the designated list of state sponsors of terror while lawmakers and President (Donald) Trump work towards a solution with China and other allies.”

In the release, Garrett offered condolences to the Warmbier family.

“The entire U.Va. community, Virginia and the United States offer our most heartfelt sympathies for those close to Otto,” Garrett said.

In April, the House adopted legislation which seeks to condemn North Korean actions, adding the nation to the formal list of state sponsors of terror.