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Equality

Biden Receives Plea from WNBA Star Griner on Release From Russia

  • Griner, detained since February, is now on trial in Moscow
  • ‘She should be home,’ Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre says
Brittney Griner arrives to a hearing at the Khimki Court on July 1.
Brittney Griner arrives to a hearing at the Khimki Court on July 1.

Photographer: Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP/Getty Images

President Joe Biden has read a letter from WNBA star Brittney Griner urging him to negotiate her release -- along with other Americans detained in Russia -- Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday, adding that the matter is a priority for the White House. 

“The president did read the letter,” Jean-Pierre told reporters, adding that Biden believes any US national “held hostage abroad” should be returned safely. “We believe she needs to come home, she should be home.”