Rigell Backs House Efforts to Bring Home U.S. Marine Sergeant Held in Mexican Prison

Press Release

Congressman Scott Rigell (VA-02), a consistent and strong advocate for the safety and defense of our men and women in uniform, recently supported bipartisan House efforts to bring home Andrew Tahmooressi, a United States Marine Sergeant currently being held on weapons charges in Mexico after mistakenly driving into the country with three legally-owned firearms. He was seeking treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in California. Rigell joined 81 Members of Congress in cosponsoring H.Res. 620, which calls on the Government of Mexico to immediately release Sergeant Tahmooressi and return him to the United States to receive care for PTSD. The resolution additionally calls on the President of the United States to do all that he can to secure his release.

"Sergeant Tahmooressi has honorably served our country during two tours in Afghanistan, and suffers from combat-related PTSD. His unnecessary detention in a Mexican prison has prevented him from receiving important medical attention, and he must be returned to the United States immediately to undergo the treatment he needs and deserves," said Rigell, who represents the district with the highest concentration of active duty and retired military personnel in the country.

On March 31, Mexican authorities arrested U.S. Marine Sergeant Andrew Tahmooressi at the U.S.-Mexico border. Three firearms, all registered under his name in the United States, were discovered in his car. Sergeant Tahmooressi remains in a Mexican prison.

The resolution, H.Res. 620, expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of Mexico should immediately release U.S. Marine Sergeant Andrew Tahmooressi and provide for his safe and timely return to the United States where he can receive the appropriate medical treatment for PTSD. Furthermore, the resolution calls on President Obama to utilize the full powers and authorities of his office to secure Sergeant Tahmooressi's release.

Rigell continued: "It is irresponsible for Mexican officials to detain this American Marine. Congress and the Administration have a duty to stand with Sergeant Tahmooressi and pursue every viable option to ensure his safe and timely return home."

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