WASHINGTON -- President Joe Biden spoke Wednesday to Brittney Griner's wife and plans to write Griner a letter, according to NBC News.
According to the White House, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harir called Cherelle Griner to reassure her that they are working hard for Brittney's freedom as soon as possible. After Brittney Griner had written a letter to President Obama begging for his assistance in releasing her from Russian prison, the White House called.
The White House stated that Biden also gave Cherelle Griner a draft from the letter he sent to Brittney Griner Wednesday.
The White House stated that the President had offered his support to Brittney and Cherelle's families and promised to ensure they receive all assistance as his administration pursues every avenue possible to bring Brittney home.
The White House stated that Cherelle Griner spoke previously by phone with Secretary of State Antony Blinken over the weekend and with Jake Sullivan, National Security Adviser. Biden also instructed his national security team not to lose contact with the families and loved ones of Americans held abroad, including Paul Whelan (an ex-security executive) who is currently being held in Russia.
In an interview with MSNBC Wednesday, Vanessa Nygaard, the head coach of Phoenix Mercury, stated that the team is desperate to bring Griner back to the U.S.
She said, "It must be hell." It must be extremely difficult for her to have no access to the normal things she has access to. But, we are talking about a Russian prison. It couldn't have been worse, I believe, and we worry about her every day.
Nygaard stated that they have been able communicate with Griner through email and the State Department.
She said, "But it's so upsetting to learn that somebody you care about has been put into such a terrible situation." She was wrongfully held. We know America holds freedom very dear and important to us.
Biden was under pressure to show progress towards her release, as she is facing drug smuggling trials. In February, Russian authorities detained Biden for possessing vape cartridges derived from cannabis. Biden was sent a letter by Griner Monday in which Griner wrote that she was "terrified I might be here forever." Griner’s wife Cherelle has also been speaking out publicly recently. Al Sharpton has asked the Biden administration for assistance in arranging a visit by him and other religious leaders.
A senior administration official stated that the U.S. does not expect Griner to be able to resolve her case before her trial, which is expected to last for weeks. According to the official, the administration believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin will be willing to negotiate a deal at that point.
In an interview with MSNBC Wednesday, Vanessa Nygaard, the head coach of Phoenix Mercury, stated that the team is desperate to bring Griner back to the U.S.
She said, "It must be hell." It must be extremely difficult for her to have no access to the normal things she has access to. But, we are talking about a Russian prison. It couldn't have been worse, I believe, and we worry about her every day.
Nygaard stated that they have been able communicate with Griner through email and the State Department.
She said, "But it's so upsetting to learn that somebody you care about has been put into such a terrible situation." She was wrongfully held. We know America holds freedom very dear and important to us.
The National Security Council responded to a question by pointing to Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, who stated that President Biden had been clear about the need to release all U.S. citizens wrongfully held abroad or hostage. Brittney Griner was also included in the statement. The U.S. government continues its aggressive work to bring her home. Karine Jean-Pierre, White House press secretary, said Tuesday that Biden had received Griner's letter. However, she declined to comment on how or if he would.
