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“She doesn’t say words like that lightly,” Cherelle said. “That means she truly is terrified that she may never see us again. And you know, I share those same sentiments.”
Cherelle, who has only spoken recently to her wife through letters, said she feels that Brittney decided to write to the president directly because the family has had no luck in contacting him.
“I know my wife really well. So, I feel confident in saying that I think the decision for her to feel the need to directly reach out to President Biden is because of the failed attempts that we have had as a family,” she said. “It kills me every time that, you know, when I have to write her and she’s asking, ‘Have you met with them yet?’ And I have to say no… I’m sure she is like ‘I’m going to write him and ask now because my family has tried to no avail, so I’m going to do it myself.'”
President Biden — What The President Said To Cherelle
On July 6, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke to Cherelle Griner over the phone in response to Brittney’s letter and reassured Cherelle “that he is working to secure Brittney’s release as soon as possible” after Brittney was arrested in Russia on suspicion of smuggling narcotics on Feb. 17, according to a readout obtained by NBC News.
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“The President offered his support to Cherelle and Brittney’s family,” the statement read. “He committed to ensuring they are provided with all possible assistance while his administration pursues every avenue to bring Brittney home.”
Biden told Cherelle that he is “working to secure Brittney’s release as soon as possible, as well as the release of Paul Whelan and other U.S. nationals who are wrongfully detained or held hostage in Russia and around the world.” Additionally, he read her a “draft of the letter” that he plans to send to Brittney today.
President Biden — The Letter Sent By Brittney
Brittney’s letter reads:
“As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever.” Her letter arrived at The White House on July 4, but the day holds significance for her in more ways than one.
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“On the 4th of July, our family normally honors the service of those who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran. It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year.”
“I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don’t forget about me and the other American Detainees. Please do all you can to bring us home. I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore.”
Brittney also mentioned the people she thinks of as she is held in custody—including her spouse of three years, Cherelle Griner. “I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home.”
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