Washington: A Family’s Hope to Bring Austin Tice Home
In a heartfelt appeal, President Joe Biden recently expressed optimism about the fate of Austin Tice, a missing American journalist who vanished about 12 years ago. The journalist disappeared near Damascus, Syria, while reporting on the ongoing chaos in the region. During a press briefing at the White House, President Biden stated, “We think we can get him back,” reiterating the government’s commitment to returning Tice to his loved ones.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite acknowledging that there is no direct evidence confirming Tice’s current status, Biden is hopeful about the prospects of locating him. “We have to identify exactly where he is,” he said, as there are still many unanswered questions surrounding his disappearance. Tice was last seen at a checkpoint in a contested area on August 14, 2012, and since then, his family has dedicated themselves to keeping the search for him alive.
Marc and Debra Tice, Austin’s parents, shared their eagerness to see their son return home safely. They urged anyone with any information to come forward and help out, stating, “We are asking anyone who can do so to please assist Austin so he can safely return home to his family.” Even though the location of their son remains unclear, the family is holding onto their hope.
A Strong Belief in His Survival
Recently, Desbra Tice revealed during a press conference that the family received information from what she described as a “significant source,” indicating that Austin is still alive. “He is being cared for and he is well – we do know that,” she added, providing a much-needed sense of optimism. Moreover, Tice’s sister, Naomi, emphasized their focus on seizing every opportunity to bring home their brother. “In chaos, there is opportunity,” she noted, referring to the ongoing unrest in Syria.
Despite a video being broadcast shortly after his disappearance — showing him blindfolded and held by armed individuals, uttering desperate pleas — the Tice family maintains a hopeful outlook.
An Ongoing Pursuit
The hunt for the journalist continues, and U.S. officials are working relentlessly to gather more information. While there is no new evidence to confirm his survival, there is a firm belief in the government that Tice could still be out there. Lately, the family met with officials from both the state department and the White House to discuss Tice’s case in detail.
Mouaz Moustafa, the head of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, spoke out on national media, stating that rebel groups are making efforts to locate Tice. “He’s a hero. He went to cover the plight of the Syrian people from what Assad, Iran, and Russia have been doing to them,” he said. Moustafa definitively expressed the urgency of the situation, declaring, “And God willing, we bring him home alive, but we need to find him and bring him to his mom, no matter what. And the Syrians owe him a debt forever.”
What’s Next for the Tice Family?
For the Tice family, the journey of hope continues. As they cling to every scrap of information that might lead them to their son, they remain steadfast in their commitment to spreading the word about Austin’s situation. With every little detail, every hopeful update, there is a growing desire not just for answers, but for the emotional reunion that so many have been waiting for.
As the efforts to locate Austin Tice remain ongoing, both the government and his family continue to rally support around a mission that’s transcending borders and time. One thing is for sure: they will not give up until Austin is safely back with the ones who love him the most.
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
