Utahn Josh Holt released from prison in Venezuela
May 26, 2018, 7:52 AM | Updated: 11:10 am
WASHINGTON DC — A Utah man who has been in prison in Venezuela for almost two years, was released early Saturday morning.
President Donald Trump announced the news on Twitter, saying Josh Holt would be in Washington DC by Saturday evening.
Good news about the release of the American hostage from Venezuela. Should be landing in D.C. this evening and be in the White House, with his family, at about 7:00 P.M. The great people of Utah will be very happy!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 26, 2018
Utah Senator Orrin Hatch released a statement saying Josh and Thamy Holt were on their way home to the United States.
BREAKING: Senator Hatch has secured the release of Utahn Josh Holt from Venezuela. #utpol pic.twitter.com/q9bPIVHgmk
— Senator Hatch Office (@senorrinhatch) May 26, 2018
“I’m pleased to announce that after two years of hard work, we’ve secured the release of Josh and Thamy Holt, who are now on their way home to the United States from Venezuela.
Over the last two years I’ve worked with two Presidential administrations, countless diplomatic contacts, ambassadors from all over the world, a network of contacts in Venezuela, and President Maduro himself, and I could not be more honored to be able to reunite Josh with his sweet, long-suffering family in Riverton.
I want to thank Chairman Bob Corker for his pivotal efforts, and that of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for their help in this effort. I want to particularly thank Caleb McCarry, whose expertise and effort in Venezuela on my behalf has been instrumental in bringing Josh home.”
Utah’s congressional representatives and state leaders were quick to react.
JOSH HOLT IS COMING HOME!! I spoke with the President today, who shared this great news with me. I’m thrilled and relieved for the family, and grateful for all the hard work that’s been done to get Josh home. #utpol https://t.co/vjRQx1wLvF
— Rep. Mia Love (@RepMiaLove) May 26, 2018
“I am so glad. This is an emotional release for me, because I have always been so stressed and worried about Joshua. His mom and I have created a friendship that will last forever,” Representative Mia Love said live on KSL Newsradio Saturday morning.
Representative Love spoke as she was on the way to fly to DC with Holt’s mother. She said President Trump called her personally with the news.
“Here we are, several prisoners released from North Korea, now we have Joshua Holt. I’m grateful for President Trump for listening and getting Josh home,” she said.
After two years, Josh Holt is coming home and will be in the arms of his family tonight thanks to the hard efforts of diplomats across the world and Utahns advocating for his release. Welcome home Josh.
— Rep. John Curtis (@RepJohnCurtis) May 26, 2018
Big news for Josh Holt and his family here in Utah! 🇺🇸❤️ https://t.co/ZMjjJ2IFvn
— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) May 26, 2018
I am very excited that after almost two years in prison, Utahn Joshua Holt has been released and will be reunited with his family today. We have long fought and prayed for his release from the Venezuelan government and are thrilled for his family.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) May 26, 2018
