Mexico frees jailed ex-U.S. Marine held on gun charges

Mexico on Friday released retired Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi after holding him in prison for seven months on weapons charges.

Tahmooressi, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, was arrested in March after crossing into Mexico with three loaded guns and ammunition. The 26-year-old claimed he took a wrong turn and wound up at a Tijuana checkpoint with no way to turn around. Without making a determination of guilt, a Mexican judge ordered Tahmooressi released because of his mental condition.

"It's a victory for American veterans," former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who along with bipartisan lawmakers lobbied for Tahmooressi's release, said. "It is a victory for the United States."

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up