The campaign to free Austin Tice – a journalist and Marine veteran who has been detained in Syria since August 2012 – continued this past week with several important developments. 

Last week at the National Press Club’s offices in DC, we hosted an event where Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough honored our veterans, and cited Austin Tice directly. 

“Austin Tice, a Marine veteran who risked everything to tell the world what was happening in Syria… you’re in our hearts and minds every day,” Secretary McDonough said. “We’re working around the clock to bring you home.” 

You can view the full program here.

This past weekend, 229 runners from around the country also participated in our 5K #RunForAustin. Participants from 25 states and four countries ran 5K races wearing a number that lifted up Austin’s story and brought this campaign to countless local communities. Among the participants were Austin’s family in Houston where his mom, dad, brothers, sisters, and extended family all joined in – as well as many signers of this petition. Thank you for tying up your laces and running or walking to raise awareness about Austin.

And just a couple days ago, another full-page advertisement ran in the Washington Post, imploring President Joe Biden to do all his administration can to bring Austin home. 

“Six weeks ago the parents of Austin Tice sent a letter to President Biden pleading for his direct intervention in the safe return of their abducted son. There has been no response from the President,” the Washington Post ad said. “After nine years, it’s time to bring Austin home.” 

Nearly 150,000 of you have stood up and demanded more be done to bring Austin Tice home. We will keep raising awareness, keep telling Austin’s story, and keep putting pressure on the administration to do everything necessary to make sure Austin returns home safely to his family after nine long years of unjust detainment. 

Thank you for taking action.