Congressman Amo Statement on the Release of Americans Detained in Russia
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01), a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, released the following statement:
“Today is a day that many have been hoping for, praying for, and working towards for a long time. I am relieved that Americans wrongfully detained by Russia — including former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich — are coming home. It’s an announcement made possible because of the tireless leadership of the United States to reunite our citizens with their families and loved ones.
“We must be crystal clear in the face of today’s long-awaited news. Those being released today deserve their freedom from Russian authorities. As we celebrate their release, we must not lose sight of the Americans being wrongfully detained or held hostage around the world. We also must hold Vladimir Putin and his goons in Russia accountable for their barbaric war in Ukraine, their repeated violation of fundamental human rights, and use of innocent people as bargaining chips.
“I thank President Joe Biden and his entire administration, my colleagues in Congress, our allies around the world, and the countless advocates who never gave up on freeing these unjustly detained Americans.”
A jury has found a former Illinois police officer guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Sonya Massey. Former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson shot and killed Massey in July of last year after she called 911 over a potential intruder at her Springfield home. The defense argued that Grayson was acting in self-defense because he believed Massey was going to throw a pot of boiling water at him. Grayson faces a four to 20 year sentence or he could get probation with no prison time. 
