Detained Oakmont teacher Marc Fogel is coming home.
LIVE REACTION: Marc Fogel coming home from Russia
The 63-year-old Oakmont teacher just marked his third year in a Russian penal colony after being arrested in August 2021 for possession of 17 grams of medical marijuana.
The Trump White House released a statement saying his special envoy Steve Witkoff is leaving Russian airspace with Marc Fogel, who had been detained in Russia for having a small amount of medical marijuana.
The Butler native is expected to be back on U.S. soil by Tuesday evening.
Congressman Guy Reschenthaler issued a statement saying, “this is a day of celebration, thankfulness and gratitude knowing Fogel will soon be back on American soil with his family.”
Rep. Guy Reschenthaler reacts to Fogel's release
Fogel spent 1,255 days locked up in Russia.
Senator David McCormick called it a “great day” while talking with KDKA Radio’s Marty Griffin.
Senator John Fetterman thanked President Trump and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.
"Marc Fogel’s return home is long overdue—and I know all of Pennsylvania, especially his family, will be welcoming him back with open arms," said Fetterman on social media.
Waltz released the following Statement announcing Fogel's release:
"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."