Senator Murray's Statement on the Release of Kenneth Bae

"I am so thrilled that Kenneth Bae has finally been released from North Korea along with Matthew Todd Miller. It has been a long two years for Kenneth's family, but they never stopped fighting for him, and they never lost faith that this day would come. Kenneth's family has spent the last two years doing everything they could to hasten this moment and see their brother, son, father, and husband once again. Kenneth's sister Terri, in particular, has made it her personal mission to bring her brother back and her powerful voice and hard work truly helped make this day possible. This is a great day for Kenneth's family, friends, and all of us in Washington state who have worked, hoped, and prayed for Kenneth's return over the last two years."

Senator Murray and her staff worked closely with Kenneth Bae's family and the State Department over the last two years to do everything possible to expedite his release. Senator Murray talked directly to Secretary of State John Kerry and worked closely with him and Robert King, the U.S. Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Issues, on efforts to bring Kenneth home.