Calling for Brittney Griner’s Immediate Release, Kelly and Sinema Introduce Bipartisan Senate Resolution

Brittney Griner has played for the Phoenix Mercury since 2013

Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema today introduced a bipartisan resolution calling for the immediate release of Phoenix Mercury player Brittney Griner, who has been wrongfully detained in Russia since February 2022.

“I’ve worked with the State Department to make sure that Brittney Griner’s safe return is a top priority, and this bipartisan resolution shows the Senate’s support for her as well. Brittney Griner is an inspiration to Arizonans and Americans across the country. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her and seeing her talent on the court up close. The Russian government unjustly detained Brittney and we will keep working with the administration to ensure her safe and swift return,” said Senator Kelly.

“Arizonans have love and admiration for Brittney Griner both on and off the court. The Department of State has determined that Brittney was wrongfully detained – it’s past time for her to come home,” said Senator Sinema.

Brittney Griner, a citizen of the United States and Women’s National Basketball Association player for the Phoenix Mercury, was wrongfully detained by the Government of the Russian Federation on February 17, 2022. 

Kelly and Sinema’s bipartisan resolution calls on the Government of the Russian Federation to immediately release Griner and urges the United States to continuously press for Griner’s release in all interactions with the Government of the Russian Federation. The resolution goes on to acknowledge Griner’s renowned leadership in the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as her continued efforts to provide resources for those experiencing homelessness in the Phoenix area.

Additionally, the resolution expresses continued support for United States citizen and former Marine Paul Whelan and all prisoners unjustly imprisoned in the Russian Federation.