Trevor Reed, a former wrongful detainee in Russia, spoke at a Houston rally Monday and called for Brittney Griner’s release from Russian captivity.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee organized the Monday evening rally and vigil for Griner.
“We are not gonna back down because we want Brittney to come home,” Lee said.
The Olympian and WNBA star was arrested in a Russian airport for alleged cannabis possession over 100 days ago.
The U.S. State Department and the Biden administration have since determined Griner to be “wrongfully detained,” The Dallas Express previously reported.
Reed was recently freed from a Russian prison in a prisoner swap orchestrated by the U.S. State Department.
On Monday, the Reed family made the trip to Houston to attend the rally.
Reed spoke to the group about the importance of standing up for all Americans and the harsh realities of Russian captivity.
“Every day that you’re in prison there, it’s like you’re waking up to a nightmare,” Reed told the crowd. “There is no justice in Russia. Brittney and Paul [Whelan] will not receive justice in Russia.”
Whelan has been in a Russian prison since 2020, serving a 16-year sentence for espionage charges his family claims are fraudulent.
Paula Reed, Trevor’s mother, emphasized the importance of her son’s attendance at the event, despite being back in the United States for only six weeks.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner also gave a speech, discussing the many positive contributions that Griner has provided for her community throughout her life.
“This is someone who literally has given everything to this city, state, and country,” Turner said. “Bring Brittney home and bring her home now.”
Basketball players from Griner’s alma mater, Houston-Nimitz High School, were also in attendance. They told the crowd they had the opportunity to meet Griner and grew up admiring the star basketball player.
Griner’s detention has been extended through June 18. Those that rallied Monday evening hope the world hears their pleas for justice.