Josh Holt is freed after nearly two years in a Venezuelan prison

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After two years in a Venezuelan prison, Utahn Josh Holt is released.

Senator Orrin Hatch sent a news release this morning announcing that Holt and his wife Thamy were headed home to the United States. In his release, Hatch said Holt will soon be reunited with his family.

President Donald Trump also tweeting about the release said, “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 pm.  The great people of Utah will be very happy.”

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

Holt was taken captive in in June 2016 after he went to Venezuela to marry his wife.

Venezuelan authorities accused Holt of hiding an AK-47 assault rifle and a grenade in his wife’s family’s home.  Holt has denied this allegation.

In a Facebook post, Holt’s family  said, “We are grateful to all who participated in this miracle.”

In a statement, Rep. Mia Love said,

“I am beyond thrilled that Josh Holt is coming home. The President phoned me this morning to share the great news, and I’m grateful that President Trump for listening and getting Josh home. I’ve always said that if my son or daughter were in this situation, I would want my member of Congress to do everything they could to get them home. It’s good to be able to be part of the effort so we can all rest easy now. Over the 2 years Josh has been in prison, I have worked with the President, Sen. Orrin Hatch, Sen. Bob Corker, John Kelley, Secretary Pompeo, the State Department and many others who all came together to bring Josh Home. and of course had constant contact with Josh’s family. I am overjoyed for Josh, Thamy their children and for Laurie and Jason Holt, who have had prayers answered today.”

Love also weighed in on Twitter before she boarded a plane for Washington, D.C.

HE IS ON HIS WAY! I got a call this morning two years, many prayers & countless efforts in the making. I’m headed to DC now to welcome #JoshHolt home!

Thank you to his incredible family, many elected officials & the White House for this team effort. #JusticeforJosh #utpol pic.twitter.com/x5xfmAiG0U

— Mia Love (@MiaBLove) May 26, 2018

Sen. Mike Lee also issued a statement.

I am very excited that after almost two years in prison, Utahn Joshua Holt has been released and will be reunited with his family today. We have long fought and prayed for his release from the Venezuelan government and are thrilled for his family.

— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) May 26, 2018

Rep. John Curtis issued this statement.

After two years, Josh Holt is coming home and will be in the arms of his family tonight thanks to the hard efforts of diplomats across the world and Utahns advocating for his release. Welcome home Josh.

— Rep. John Curtis (@RepJohnCurtis) May 26, 2018