Fogel met with President Trump and media, where he expressed gratitude to those who helped bring him back to the United States."I am not a hero in this at all," Fogel said to reporters inside of the White House. "President Trump is a hero. These men that came from the diplomatic service and the senators and representatives that passed legislation to get me home are the heroes."
Fogel continued, saying "And the love that I was given from everyone sustained me for three and a half years (through the things I endured in prison). And knowing I had the support of my fellow Pennsylvania's, family, and friends, it was so overwhelming that it brought me to my knees and tears. It was my energy, my being that kept me going that whole time. I will forever be indebted to all."
Today, President Donald J. Trump and his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are able to announce that Mr. Witkoff is leaving Russian airspace with Marc Fogel, an American who was detained by Russia."
Bringing Marc Home
At the end of December, Fogel was declared "wrongfully detained" by the U.S. government.
Fogel was sentenced to 14 years in a Russian penal colony in 2022 for drug trafficking after he was arrested for possessing medical marijuana, which was prescribed by a doctor in the United States.
At the time, Malphine Fogel told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4, "He has missed so much with his family. His youngest son graduated from college. Of course, you didn't see that. The birthdays and wedding anniversary and, you know, it's just really, really hard."
Pennsylvania's Governor Josh Shapiro was one of many political leaders in the commonwealth to speak out following the news of Marc's release:
"After more than 3 years in Russian captivity, I join his family, our federal partners, and all of his fellow Pennsylvanians in welcoming Marc Fogel home — exactly where he belongs. Thank you to those at the @WhiteHouse who made his release possible, and to his wife Jane, mom, siblings, and kids here in Pennsylvania who never, ever gave up."
FULL STATEMENT FROM WALTZ:
"Today, President Donald J. Trump and his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are able to announce that Mr. Witkoff is leaving Russian airspace with Marc Fogel, an American who was detained by Russia. President Trump, Steve Witkoff and the President’s advisors negotiated an exchange that serves as a show of good faith from the Russians and a sign we are moving in the right direction to end the brutal and terrible war in Ukraine. Since President Trump’s swearing-in, he has successfully secured the release of Americans detained around the world, and President Trump will continue until all Americans being held are returned to the United States. By tonight, Marc Fogel will be on American soil and reunited with his family and loved ones thanks to President Trump’s leadership."
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