Statement on Peter Theo Curtis
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
August 24, 2014
Particularly after a week marked by unspeakable tragedy, we are all relieved and grateful knowing that Theo Curtis is
coming home after so much time held in the clutches of Jabhat Al-Nusrah.
For two years, this young American has been separated from his family. Finally he is returning home. Theo’s mother, whom
we’ve known from Massachusetts and with whom we’ve worked during this horrific period, simply refused to give up and has
worked indefatigably to keep hope alive that this day could be a reality.
Over these last two years, the United States reached out to more than two dozen countries asking for urgent help from
anyone who might have tools, influence, or leverage to help secure Theo's release and the release of any Americans held
hostage in Syria.
Every waking hour, our thoughts and our faith remain with the Americans still held hostage and with their families, and
we continue to use every diplomatic, intelligence, and military tool at our disposal to find them and bring our fellow
citizens home.
ENDS