Washington D.C. – U.S. Congressman Colin Allred, August 21, 2024
Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32) and Congressman Al Green (TX-09) led an effort urging the Biden Administration to continue using all diplomatic tools and avenues possible to release Austin Tice, a Texan, Marine Corps veteran, and investigative journalist who was kidnapped in 2012 and still remains a hostage by the Syrian regime.
“Every day an American is held abroad is a lifetime, and it’s why Congress and the Administration must stand united in demanding the Syrian regime’s release of Austin Tice,” said Congressman Allred. “Austin has been held hostage for more than twelve years, and I am proud to lead this effort ensuring we pursue all possible avenues to bring Austin home to his family. I remain committed to getting all Texans and Americans wrongfully detained or held hostage abroad back home.”
“Austin Tice, a Marine Corps veteran, law student, and journalist, exemplifies the ideals of public service and hard work. Austin traveled to Syria in 2012 before completing his law degree because he wished to document the experiences of the Syrian people during the civil war. He was abducted while conducting his reporting, and his unjustified abduction is a crime that the Syrian regime has yet to acknowledge. I will not cease advocating for Austin until the day he is released. I am grateful to the Biden Administration for all that they have done so far to secure Austin’s release and urge the Administration to continue using all possible tools to bring him home,” said Congressman Green.
“The Biden Administration deserves credit for its success in bringing Alsu Kurmasheva and Evan Gershkovich safely home. It’s time to use that same playbook for Austin Tice. Direct engagement with the Russian government worked for Evan and Alsu, and a similar approach could work for Austin too. We cannot rest until Austin is home,” said Clayton Weimers, Executive Director of Reporters Without Borders USA Bureau.
As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Allred has made it a priority to unite efforts within Congress and the U.S. government to release every American held hostage abroad. He recently met with the families of Austin Tice and Mark Fogel and questioned the State Department and FBI about their cases.
