US Air Force Veteran Joseph St. Clair Freed From Venezuelan Detention

‘We are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude,’ St. Clair’s parents say in a statement.

U.S. Air Force veteran Joseph St. Clair (L) seated aboard an airplane next to special presidential envoy Ric Grenell on May 20, 2025. Richard Grenell via X via Reuters

Joseph St. Clair, a U.S. Air Force veteran held captive in Venezuela for nearly seven months, has been freed, his family announced on May 20, while expressing gratitude to President Donald Trump and key members of his administration for securing his release.

“This news came suddenly, and we are still processing it—but we are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude,” Joseph St. Clair’s parents, Scott and Patti St. Clair, said in a statement.