After being held in Russia for ten months, WNBA star Brittney Griner has now arrived in the United States.
At 4:29 a.m., Griner touched down at Kelly Airfield in San Antonio. time zone. She was taken to Brook Army Medical Center, where she will receive treatment and be reunited with Cherelle Griner.
The 32-year-old native of Houston was sentenced to nine years in prison earlier this year after Russian officials discovered cannabis oil in her luggage. Her release was secured by the Biden administration in return for Russian arms trader Viktor Bout.
President Biden‘s first priority was accomplished with Griner’s safe return, but he faced criticism for failing to obtain the release of another American, former Marine Paul Whelan, who has been imprisoned in Russia for close to four years.
In a press appearance on Thursday, Biden stated that he had spoken to Griner on the phone and that while she was safe and relieved, she deserved peace and rest. She would receive specialist medical care and psychotherapy, according to American officials.
Jia Chen, a reporter with TPR’s member station, reported from San Antonio. From Washington, DC, Emily Olson provided reporting.