Convicted Russian criminal Alexander Vinnik is being freed in swap that released American Marc Fogel, officials confirm
WASHINGTON — Convicted Russian criminal Alexander Vinnik is being freed in a swap that released Butler native Marc Fogel, officials confirm.
Fogel arrived back in the United States Tuesday night. He was greeted by President Donald Trump and enjoyed an Iron City beer upon his arrival.
In a news conference that evening at the White House, Fogel told the world how happy he was to be home and thanked those who helped make his release happen.
“I feel like the luckiest man on Earth right now,” he said.
Earlier, the Fogel family shared their excitement at a news conference held at the home of his mother, Malphine Fogel.
“We kept hoping, but it seemed to get further and further away,” Malphine Fogel said. “We prayed a lot. My entire family prayed his way out of there.”
