Yahoo News Donald Trump hails release of US 'hostage' held for two years on weapons charges in Venezuela
US President Donald Trump has hailed the release of an American citizen who had spent nearly two years behind bars accused of weapons charges in Venezuela.
Utah resident Joshua Holt had gone to Venezuela in June 2016 to marry a woman he met online while looking for Spanish-speaking Mormons. He was later arrested on suspicion of stockpiling weapons.
President Trump tweeted today: "Good news about the release of the American hostage from Venezuela.
Good news about the release of the American hostage from Venezuela. Should be landing in D.C. this evening and be in the White House, with his family, at about 7:00 P.M. The great people of Utah will be very happy!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 26, 2018
"The great people of Utah will be very happy!"
Mr Holt and his wife were freed from detention in Caracas and are expected to land in the US this evening.
BREAKING: Senator Hatch has secured the release of Utahn Josh Holt from Venezuela. #utpol pic.twitter.com/q9bPIVHgmk
— Senator Hatch Office (@senorrinhatch) May 26, 2018
Senator Orrin Hatch said he had secured the release of Mr Holt. "Senator Hatch has secured the release of Utahn Josh Holt from Venezuela," his office said in a statement posted online.
Mr Holt's family said his release was a miracle.
