A U.S. lawmaker says North Korea could launch an attack on the U.S. mainland to save face following its escalating threats of nuclear and missile provocations.

Speaking on ABC News, Rep. Peter King said North Korea's statements may not be an "empty threat" and the real threat is how far Pyongyang's threats will go.

King said North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is trying to establish himself and to save face he may feel he has to launch some sort of attack on South Korea, or some base in the Pacific.

He described the North's regime as "more like an organized crime family running a territory."