A photo of Marc Fogel and his mother, Malphine, posted on family attorney Sasha Phillips Facebook feed Tuesday night. Submitted photo

Marc Fogel returned to Western Pennsylvania on Tuesday, Feb. 18, after successfully completing a medical evaluation in San Antonio, Texas.

In a statement Tuesday evening, family attorney Sasha Phillips and the Fogel family asked that the media and public honor their request for privacy, allowing Fogel and his family time and space to heal together.

“After an extended period of being held hostage, Marc has finally returned to Pittsburgh, but his journey to recovery is only the beginning,” Phillips said. “He has been strongly advised to limit public exposure as he embarks on the slow and challenging process of healing from the harrowing trauma experienced by him and his loved ones.

“Marc will do his part by getting better if you can do your part by helping him. While his eventual return to the pubic eye is anticipated when he is ready, for now, we kindly urge everyone to respect his need for discretion during this vulnerable period,” Phillips said. “Further details will be announced once Marc and his family are prepared to share further updates.”

The news was first reported by WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh, which reported that Allegheny County Police and Pittsburgh International Airport officials confirmed Fogel’s landing around 5:30 p.m.

Fogel returned to the United States on Feb. 11, following three years and six months of detainment in Russia. He landed in Washington, D.C., that night, meeting with President Donald Trump and other U.S. officials before being flown to San Antonio.

Phillips, said on Facebook Saturday, Feb. 15, that Fogel had completed the medical phase of transition protocol done by the State Department and was beginning another phase Sunday, Feb. 16.

“I am delighted to report I have positively completed the medical phase of the transition protocol done by the State Department,” Fogel said through Phillips’ Facebook post Feb. 15. “Tomorrow we will begin another phase of this program which needs to be completed before moving into life as we know it. I cannot wait to rejoin our community but this will take a bit of time and I ask for some patience in replying to you all. I look forward to reaching out to all of you in due time. With gratitude, respect, and humility.”

The family thanked the public for its understanding and support on Tuesday night, saying it “took a village to bring him back, and it will take a village to make him whole.”