CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich has been released from federal prison, and a news conference is scheduled for Wednesday morning at his North Side residence.
Patti Blagojevich, via Twitter, announced a "Homecoming" press conference at 11 a.m. at the family's home in Ravenswood Manor.
Rod Blagojevich, 63, left a Colorado prison Tuesday after President Trump commuted his 14-year sentence on corruption charges, granting the ex-governor and "Celebrity Apprentice" contestant an early release.
Trump, a Republican, said the Chicago Democrat's sentence was too harsh. The White House noted several public figures have agreed that the former governor should be let out early.
"I'm profoundly grateful to President Trump," Blagojevich told WGN TV News, which encountered him at the Denver airport. Other reporters from Chicago likewise intercepted the former governor out west.
Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is on a plane back home after President Trump commuted his 14 year prison sentence today. We are with him. @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/vfApLOZ1yA
— Dana Kozlov (@DanaCBS2)
February 19, 2020 Blagojevich's early release prompted mixed reactions -- not necessarily along party lines.
Among the critics of the president's decision is Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, a former federal prosecutor who has publicly clashed with Trump. She tweeted that the commutation "sends the wrong message."
Commuting former Gov. Blagojevich's sentence would be controversial under any president, but President Trump embodies the worst in public leadership through his brazen disrespect for the rule of law and good governance. Given his track record, this action sends the wrong message. https://t.co/IWtNznqLFl
— Mayor Lori Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor)
February 18, 2020
