Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi returned back to the U.S. Friday night after spending nearly eight months in a Mexican jail. A judge ordered his immediate release.
Mr. Tahmooressi was greeted by his mother, Jill, California Republican Rep. Ed Royce, former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, Arizona Republican Rep. Matt Salmon and talk show host Montel Williams.
Mr. Tahmooressi’s release came after sustained efforts from Mr. Royce, Mr. Richardson, Mr. Salmon and Mr. Williams, who met with Mexico’s Attorney General and Ambassador to the U.S. demanding his release, Fox News reported Saturday. California Rep. Dana Rohrabacher was also involved diplomatic wrangling.
“The totality of diplomacy, the judicial process, the legal strategy and the importance of the American-Mexican relationship resulted in Andrew’s release,” Mr. Richardson said. “And now we have this great outcome. Andrew’s coming home.”
Mr. Tahmooressi was detained in Mexico after accidentally crossing the border into Tijuana with three weapons in his truck on March 31.
Speaking to The Washington Times on Saturday, Mr. Rohrabacher said that President Obama did not participate in the group’s efforts to free the Marine.
“The president, who is also the commander in chief, didn’t do his job,” Mr. Rohrabacher said. “There is a lack of concern for this man, for this American hero who served our country. As commander in chief he showed a total disdain and non-interest in an American hero who served us in Afghanistan and a total disregard for the fact that he was suffering.”
• Kellan Howell can be reached at khowell@washingtontimes.com.
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