Marc Fogel painting by artist Clare Mears Stefanini

Butler native Marc Fogel is “out of Russian airspace” and on his way home, his family confirmed Tuesday, Feb. 11.

The news was announced Tuesday by national security adviser Mike Waltz, who said that Fogel will be “on American soil and reunited with his family and loved ones” by tonight.

“We are thrilled to death, and we got the confirmation he’s out of airspace,” his sister, Anne Fogel, yelled over the phone. “He’s on his way home!”

Fogel was detained at Sheremetyevo Airport in Russia in August 2021 with around half an ounce of medical marijuana prescribed for chronic back pain. He was sentenced to 14 years in a Russian penal colony.

Fogel was not officially designated as “wrongfully detained” until October 2024, following the Fogel family filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of State over their failure to make the designation.

Fogel’s case — and calls for his release — had made recent momentum with bipartisan support, as well as Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying during confirmation hearings he would focus on Fogel’s case.

“Today, President Donald J. Trump and his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are able to announce that Mr. Witkoff is leaving Russian airspace with Marc Fogel, an American who was detained by Russia,” Waltz said. “President Trump, Steve Witkoff and the President’s advisors negotiated an exchange that serves as a show of good faith from the Russians and a sign we are moving in the right direction to end the brutal and terrible war in Ukraine.

“Since President Trump’s swearing-in, he has successfully secured the release of Americans detained around the world, and President Trump will continue until all Americans being held are returned to the United States.”

Others who had called for his release also reacted Tuesday on social media.

“For years, I have met with the Fogels and have strongly advocated for Marc’s release. He is a Butler County native, and Malphine is one of my constituents. Today is a great day for the Fogel family, who will be reunited in Western Pennsylvania once again,” U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th, said in a statement.

Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., took to X, too, to react to the news. He had brought up the issue amid Rubio’s confirmation hearing.

“As I told Marc’s Mom, Mafa (Malphine), when we spoke in August, we had to do everything possible to get Marc home, and it is a blessing that this day has finally come,” McCormick posted on X Tuesday afternoon.

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., offered thanks to the president and Witkoff.

“Marc Fogel’s return home is long overdue—and I know all of Pennsylvania, especially his family, will be welcoming him back with open arms,” he said.