ARIZONA, USA — Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner was on a plane headed to Phoenix early Thursday morning after being imprisoned in a Russian penal colony, President Biden said.
Russia freed the WNBA in a high-level prisoner exchange, with the U.S. releasing notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, officials said.
“She’s safe, she’s on a plane, she’s on her way home," Biden said from the White House, where he was accompanied by Griner's wife, Cherelle, and administration officials.
Numerous Arizona politicians reacted on social media to the news of Griner's release. Here's a look at some of the reactions online:
The Phoenix Mercury and Phoenix Suns issued a statement Thursday morning.
Griner's Agent and Wasserman EVP Lindsay Colas released a statement thanking the Biden administration for their part in securing Griner's release.
The statement read in part:
"It’s through hardship that character is revealed, and over the last nine months, we have seen the best of so many. At the top of that list are BG and President Biden. Throughout this ordeal, BG has carried herself with courage, grace and grit; and President Biden made us a promise, and then kept his word and did what was necessary to bring her home."
Arizona political figures were also quick to share their support.
Sen. Mark Kelly
Rep. Ruben Gallego
Arizona House Democrats
Arizona Democratic Party
Those in the Arizona sports community also acknowledged Griner's return.
Chris Paul
Arizona Cardinals
We will continue to share the messages as they come in.
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