(Gilbert Watch Note: Rep. Matt Salmon, who represents Arizona’s Congressional District 5, has been steadfast in his fight for Sgt. Tahmooressi’s release from a Mexican prison. See Matt Salmon Visits U.S. Marine Sgt. Tahmooressi in Mexico and Obama Ignores a Decorated American Soldier being held in a Mexican Prison.)
Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Matt Salmon (AZ-05) issued the following statement upon being notified that U.S. Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi’s case has resulted in his release from a Mexican prison.
“I am truly overjoyed to hear the news that our Marine Sgt. Tahmooressi is finally coming home to America.
“During my last visit with Andrew in a Mexican prison, I told him the next time I saw him would be during his release to America; I am grateful that I will be able to keep that promise and be with him and Mrs. Tahmooressi as he returns to the United States tonight.
“Andrew is a brave Marine who served his country with honor, and I have long maintained that he has been held in a Mexican prison for far too long, and needed to be returned to the United States to receive proper treatment for the PTSD that he suffers from as a direct result of his heroic service to our nation.
“While I am disappointed that his release did not take place much sooner, I am thankful to Mexican Attorney General Jesús Murillo Karam for displaying compassion for Sergeant Tahmooressi’s medical condition.
"I want to thank former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson for all his tireless efforts in aiding Andrew’s release. Likewise, I want to recognize the support from many of my colleagues, including House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce, for all they did to bring our Marine home.
“Finally, I want to thank all Americans who have been keeping Andrew in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time for him and his family. I heard from many of you these past six months and your support was instrumental to his release.
“We wish Andrew a safe and happy return to the United States."