The man who slashed his wrists outside Rockefeller Center during a taping of the "Today" show is finally speaking out about why he did it, blaming it on all those that have robbed him, including the IRS.
In an exclusive with the New York Daily News Pak Chong, 76, shared he did it to get attention because he had been abused and robbed for so many years by the government agency.
During the incident Pak threw papers into a crowd watching the live taping of the "TODAY" show yelling things at them and showing documents as proof that the IRS had abused him.
"The IRS ruined my life," he screamed. "I'm not a freeloader.
When the crowd did not respond to his plea, he pulled out a knife and began cutting himself.
"I had to do something desperate to fight the corruption, fight the IRS," he said during the interview. "I need people to help me fight for justice... If I don't do something drastic sooner or later these guys are going to kill me anyway. I couldn't even pay rent this month."
Pak shared that he migrated to New York City in 1948 and made a million dollars in the stock market using income made running a grocery store and working as a waiter.
But then claimed that financial institutions like TD Ameritrade and Scottrade helped the IRS steal his funds and had the proof to back it up.
"I should be living well," he said. "I had over a million dollars before. They're making my life miserable."
A loved one - present during the interview - shook her head sadly as he told the story.
"It's sad," the loved one remarked. "We're just trying to figure things out."
When asked about his missing three fingers, Pak just said, "That's a long story."
According to police, Pak methodically cut off the finders and tossed them in a crowd in Flushing, Queens, during the Hong Kong Dragon Board Festival.
It's unlikely Pak will be charged with a crime because, according to police, he did not hurt anyone other than himself.
Look at all the photos of the chaotic scene as it unfolded here.
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