Shenango Valley News

Today, the release of Marc Fogel, a native of Butler County, Pennsylvania, was met with statements from U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly and other officials expressing their gratitude towards President Trump and his administration for securing Fogel's freedom.

"When President Trump met with Marc Fogel’s mother, Malphine, in Butler on July 13, 2024, he pledged to do everything he could to bring Marc home safely," said Rep. Kelly. "Today, President Trump, Secretary Rubio, and the Trump administration have fulfilled this promise."

Rep. Kelly has been advocating for Fogel's release for years. He expressed relief that the Fogel family would be reunited in Western Pennsylvania.

Senator Dave McCormick also shared his thoughts: “I am thrilled that Marc Fogel is finally coming home after years of being wrongfully held in Russia.” He praised President Trump and Secretary Rubio for their efforts and recalled telling Marc’s mother about the commitment to bring her son back.

Senator John Fetterman took to social media platform X to express his satisfaction with the news: "Marc Fogel’s return home is long overdue—and I know all of Pennsylvania...will be welcoming him back with open arms."

Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler remarked on the timeline of events leading up to Fogel's release: “Marc Fogel spent 1,255 days locked away...while my congressional colleagues and I urged the State Department to bring him home." He credited President Trump's leadership for achieving this result quickly.

Rep. Glenn "GT" Thompson acknowledged those involved in facilitating Fogel's return: "Thank you to President Trump, Secretary Rubio, and the President’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff for their urgency and dedication.”

Rep. Chris Deluzio expressed joy over the development through a video post on X.

Fogel was detained on August 14, 2021, in Russia while serving a sentence related to possession of medical marijuana used for treating a back injury. His case drew parallels with WNBA player Brittney Griner’s situation.

Fogel taught history at schools attended by children of U.S. diplomats across several countries before his detention in Russia where he was serving a 14-year hard-labor sentence until his release today.