Houston’s city hall announced that it will be lit up in red, white and blue Thursday night in honor of the return of Brittney Griner, born in Russia, to the United States.
Griner, a WNBA star, was arrested in February before the Russia-Ukraine war broke out for bringing vape cartridges containing cannabis-derived oils through a Moscow airport.
A US official told Fox News the 32-year-old was released from the Russian colony on Thursday in an exchange with Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
“Even in times of great conflict between Russia and the United States, positive things can and will happen,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a statement. “I’m excited to welcome home Houston Native and WNBA player Brittney Griner.”
FILE – Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner shoots during the first half of Game 1 of the WNBA basketball finals against the Chicago Sky on Oct. 10, 2021, in Phoenix.
(AP Photo/Ralph Freso, file)
“A huge thank you to President Biden, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and the many others who worked tirelessly to bring Brittney home,” Turner continued. “Tonight, City Hall will be lit up in red, white and blue in his honor.
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WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted from the courtroom on August 4, 2022 in Khimki, near Moscow, Russia.
(AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
“Welcome home Brittney,” he added.
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Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos, Nick Kalman and Margaret Kerkman contributed to this report.