Freed American pastor Andrew Brunson, wrongfully imprisoned in Turkey for two years due to alleged ties to an outlawed group connected to a failed coup against Turkish President Recep Erdogan’s government in 2016, touched down in the United States shortly after noon ET at Joint Base Andrews, several news sources have reported.
The North Carolinian pastor, who was released by a Turkish judge Friday and sentenced to time served for terrorist and treason charges, is expected to meet with President Trump at the White House Saturday after a medical checkup at a U.S. military hospital, Fox News reported.
President Trump tweeted Saturday a thank you to Erodogan for facilitating Brunson’s release and is looking forward to his meeting with Brunson.
Pastor Andrew Brunson, released by Turkey, will be with me in the Oval Office at 2:30 P.M. (this afternoon). It will be wonderful to see and meet him. He is a great Christian who has been through such a tough experience. I would like to thank President @RT_Erdogan for his help!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 13, 2018
