Representative Matt Salmon (R-AZ) relayed a hopeful update on the case of U.S. Marine Sergeant Andrew Tahmooressi Thursday morning.
“Right after the hearing, the Ambassador from Mexico called me, and I think it was a very positive conversation,” Salmon told the crew of Morning Joe. “My expectation is that within the next couple of weeks, he’ll be free.”
Rep. Salmon and Ambassador Mora have spoken several times since Tahmooressi's arrest and plan to stay in close contact until the matter is resolved.
“The Ambassador provided an update on the case following the hearing on Wednesday,” Salmon spokesperson, Tristan Daedalus, told Townhall. “The Congressman also understands from conversations with Tahmooressi’s legal team, and State Department officials on the ground in Mexico, that with the latest evidence presented to the Mexican AG’s office, the government does not intend to delay the case and hopefully a resolution will be announced shortly.”
Salmon made two visits to see Sgt. Tahmooressi since his detainment and communicates frequently with his legal team and mother, Jill Tahmooressi. During Wednesday’s Capitol Hill hearing, Salmon said he was optimistic for a speedy resolution but promised to work with House leadership to expedite the passage H.Res 620, if Andrew is still in Mexico once Congress reconvenes in November.
A McCarthy spokesman confirmed that the House Leader also spoke with Ambasssador Mora about a month ago to express his strong support for the marine to be returned home and plans to continue working with members to find ways in which that can be achieved.
There are currently no scheduling updates as to when H.Res 620 may move to the House Floor; but in the meantime, members implore the White House to act immediately in assisting Tahmooressi's release. However, the President continues to refrain from involvement in the case, and Press Secretary Josh Earnest punted responsibility to the State Department in Wednesday’s press briefing.
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A meritoriously promoted solider who served two tours in Afghanistan, Tahmooressi has spent 184 days in a Tijuana jail cell for possession of guns and ammunition at the Mexican border. He admitted to military officials that he had mistakenly made a wrong turn in an attempt to go to San Diego and was carrying legally-owned weapons in his vehicle.
Sgt. Tahmooressi reported abuse from inmates and guards and tried to take his own life while in jail. The marine was also diagnosed with PTSD just days prior to his arrest.
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