In the days leading up to Britney Griner’s release, US officials became increasingly convinced that it was no longer a matter of “if” but “when.”
That reality was the motivation for inviting Britney’s wife, Sherrel Griner, to come to the White House early Thursday morning, earlier this week, according to government officials.
The invitation was to meet with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Biden’s chief national security officer, who briefed Sherrell Griner several times during the roughly 10 months his wife was detained in Russia. . The agenda was an update on a process that was clearly heading towards resolution.
By the time Cherelle Griner arrived at the White House, it was clear Brittney Griner was on the verge of being released. The final deal, confirmed by one official, was clearly coming to an end.
But as Cherelle Griner waited to meet Sullivan, a change of venue showed what was to come. Without explanation, Griner was taken back to the Oval Office where President Joe Biden was waiting.
Biden gave the first official confirmation that Brittany Griner was on her way home. It was in the hands of the authorities.
Biden then took Sherrell Griner to a chair set up next to the Resolute desk. Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of State Antony Brinken, and Sullivan stood nearby.
Brittany Griner was then connected to the room via speakerphone. It was her first phone call since her wife was released.
“I’m Joe Biden. Welcome back,” Biden said when the call went through. After a brief conversation between the three of them, Biden ushered Sherrel into her private dining room, where she could continue on the phone with her wife privately.
Less than an hour later, the two were standing side by side in the hall of the Roosevelt Room.
“She is safe, on the plane, and on her way home,” Biden announced.
