Brittney Griner will be home for Christmas, and her first move back on the basketball court was a dunk.
President Joe Biden faced virulent online criticism for the prisoner exchange deal with the Russian government that freed convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Biden also faced criticism for leaving imprisoned United States Marine Paul Whelan, who is currently serving 16 years on espionage charges, out of the swap that freed Griner.
U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens spoke to Morning Joe on Friday to detail America’s efforts to bring Whelan home.
“I talked to Paul Whelan last Friday,” Carstens said. “He expressed his frustration, as you might imagine. I told Paul, ‘Look. You and I were both in the military. They told us if we’re ever captured, make sure you keep the faith.’ I said, ‘Paul, keep the faith. The president is focused on your return. The secretary of state is focused on your return. I am certainly focused. Don’t worry. We’re working hard. We’re coming to get you.'”
Carstens spearheaded the negotiation that freed Griner. Whelan’s family, for their part, heralded Biden for the release of Griner while blasting the administration of Donald Trump for failing to show the same interest in Whelan’s case.
Griner is currently relaxing with her wife on a military base outside San Antonio, Texas. Her agent stated she plans to focus her future efforts on freeing wrongfully detained Americans, including Whelan.
[Story and image via Morning Joe]
