After spending nearly ten months in Russian custody, WNBA star Brittney Griner has returned to the United States. Griner arrived at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas at 6:00 a.m. Friday morning after being released in a prisoner exchange for a convicted arms dealer.
Images show the 32-year-old walking down the steps of a private jet wearing a beanie hat and winter coat.
U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Roger Carstens tweeted his joy at Griner’s return, saying “So happy to have Brittney back on U.S. soil. Welcome home BG!”
On Thursday, President Joe Biden announced that Brittney Griner, was released in a one-for-one prisoner swap for international arms dealer Viktor Bout.
The exchange agreement between Griner and Bout was recently negotiated with Moscow and was given final approval by Biden last Thursday.
Five former U.S. officials told the outlet that Paul Whelan, another American who remains jailed in Russia, was not included in the swap.
Following the news of Griner’s release, Biden tweeted, “Moments ago I spoke to Brittney Griner. She is safe. She is on a plane. She is on her way home,” along with images of himself, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Griner’s wife, Cherelle.
On August 10, Griner was sentenced to nine years in prison, just below the maximum allowed sentence of 10 years. The verdict was considered “absolutely unreasonable” by Griner’s lawyers who stated they will be filing an appeal.
Yesterday, President Joe Biden delivered remarks from the White House about Griner’s release, standing alongside her wife Cherelle.
Biden welcomed Griner’s safe return and addressed her unjust detainment in Russia.
“Good morning folks, and it is a good morning. Moments ago, standing together with her wife Cherelle in the Oval Office, I spoke with Brittney Griner. She’s safe, she’s on a plane, she’s on her way home after months of being unjustly detained in Russia, held under intolerable circumstances.”
At a press conference today, Cherelle Griner expressed overwhelming gratitude to President Biden and his administration for bringing her family back together. Griner was detained in Russia for nine months, but was recently released as part of a prisoner exchange.
In her speech, Griner thanked Biden for his efforts, and also gave a special shout-out to Vice President Harris and her fellow Phoenix Mercury basketball players. Additionally, she acknowledged the plight of Paul Whelan, another American who remains jailed in Russia, and called for his release.
Griner concluded her speech by saying, “Today my family is whole, but as you all are aware, there’s so many other families who aren’t whole.”
“Thank you everybody for your support, and today’s just a happy day for me and my family, so I’m gonna smile right now,” Cherelle added. “Thank you.”