Family of U.S. soldier detained in Russia urges Biden to 'try harder' to establish contact with son

The mom and stepfather of Army soldier Gordon “Chris” Black speak about their son’s recent arrest in Russia.
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[@JoAnnGross-bv6pc]

Why would an American go to Russia? Their fault, stop crying to the government for stupid moves that people chose to make.

[@miravi5547]

and what is so dangerous in Russia?

[@Chicago48]

The parents shouldn't ask the American Govt to get their son out when he wouldn't listen to the Govt.

[@doejohn6865]

@@miravi5547 they kill Americans for sport. They are a vile disgusting ideology that has killed more people than any other ideology on the planet. THAT’S what is wrong with Russia.

[@kommandantvhs4994]

Because he's spying on the Russians

[@Gr8Incarnate]

@@miravi5547 putin

[@V.E.R.O.]

He knew what he was getting into when he went, the US doesn't have to "try harder" just because he chose to make himself a pawn.

[@miravi5547]

Do Americans have immunity to crimes in Russia?I

[@V.E.R.O.]

@@miravi5547 No, it's the opposite.

[@wtf2203]

Stupid is as stupid does. The gene pool is cleaning itself. I feel for his parents, but this is like jumping off the roof of the barn with two sticks for wings; you should know how it will end.

[@wtf2203]

​@miravi5547 American going to Russia is crime.

[@rickyedwards5480]

​@@miravi5547OP is agreeing with you. Why so triggered comrade?🤔

[@accutronitisthe2nd95]

Here's a thought, DON'T GO TO RUSSIA, CHINA, OR NORTH KOREA!!!

[@dominique217]

...or anywhere in the Middle East.

[@neilkurzman4907]

Or Iran

[@kellywinsor5051]

Or Mexico

[@MarekKolenda-cr8vr]

Why Russian girlfriend not go to China see friends

[@neilkurzman4907]

@@kathleensmith8518 Several people are trying to prove you wrong.

[@jpousson]

He went to Russia willingly and without permission, to see a Russian woman he was sleeping with. Our government can work on an issue regarding a 34-year-old man without POTUS personally calling his parents. His parents have some damn nerve to expect that. Members of the military (and their spouses) are trained in how to spot and avoid this kind of stuff, but his appetite for her was more important to him than his oath and his mission. What an embarrassment to the military he is. His chain of command is getting chewed up and spit out. I hope he comes home soon and gets the dishonorable discharge he deserves.

[@bribri6985]

He is not coming home any time soon my friend..

[@colleenpeck6347]

His WIFE is in Texas.

[@jamesvesta]

Exactly, he needs to be brought home and locked in a jail cell for being AWOL or desertion or something. He knew he was specifically forbidden to go there.

[@markhepworth]

Especially as those parents are obviously Trumpanzee’s..🤦‍♂️🤡

[@israelvaldivia2686]

I like how you say "without permission" because you literally need permission for everything in the land of the free

[@stephenludlum9746]

When he gets out, he should be court-martial and spend time in a military prison.

[@carolforbes1559]

Absolutely!

[@dominique217]

Hellsyeah. UCMJ all the way. 👍🏽

[@delta_glider4362]

On what basis, my dear lawyer?

[@dominique217]

@delta_glider4362 AWOL, ya loon. He was PCSing stateside. You think he was on orders to go to Russia? Fcck no. Pull your head out.

[@richardbrown7566]

@@delta_glider4362 They can start off with Article 134 of the UCMJ and go from there.

[@dusty8261]

HONEY POT GOT YA BOY. Do NOT negotiate for his release.

[@christiaancoetzee2964]

My sincerest sympathy to his parents, but I fail to understand why the govt. must try harder. He knowingly allowed his hormones to take over his actions. If it worked out he would have done it again and again. He does not classify as being wrongfully detained. There are more deserving people deserving the efforts of the govt. Black should not be afforded an opportunity to hijack the efforts and resources to help deserving cases.

[@Chicago48]

I agree. Gordon KNEW not to go to Russia. But he was "lured" by a Russian female plant. I believe the other 2 men in Russian jails were the same types -- staying behind because of a woman. I believe Russia is planting these women to make American men fall in love with them.

[@kingbradley9066]

​@@geary5445Did he go there as a Solider to fight a battle? Or did he travel like a civilian to go see a woman?

[@stevenhancock301]

@@geary5445 Whelan is a former marine and he has been there for years. This soldier made a decision on his own to not get clearance to go knowing they would have said no and committed a crime while there. We will get him back when he serves his prison time. He is not wrongly detained from what we know now at this moment. Soldier or not you commit a crime in a foreign country unfortunately you have to do the time.

[@stevenhancock301]

⁠​⁠@@geary5445we don’t have any SOFA agreement with Russia. South Korea yes, and many other countries but not with Russia. And I was an MP and was stationed in Japan for four years and know SOFA very well. If you commit a crime in a foreign country even on active duty they are under no obligation to not prosecute and sentence the soldier, marine, airmen, or sailor. I was part of a team that once a year went to the Japanese prison in Tokyo that housed Americans from the military who were convicted and sentenced to Japanese prison. We made sure they were alive, getting treated fairly, and were getting basic needs met. Once their sentence was up we would take custody of them and they would be returned to the US and face a court martial or Article 15 and were dealt with by the military for the crime. Just because we have a SOFA agreement doesn’t mean the service member won’t have to do time in the foreign prison.

[@stevenhancock301]

@@geary5445and I most definitely am not wrong you are. Please review SOFA and what is actually means to educate yourself on the fact you still are held accountable in a foreign country. And we don’t have SOFA agreements with Russia. We only have SOFA agreements with countries we actually have bases and service members stationed at.

[@andreamckinney7500]

Please let's not trade him for another arms merchant 🙄

[@masterlightjames950]

Only Americans are arms merchants.

[@hihai_TV]

Come on Americans let's get the hell out of Russia. These trades r ridiculous.

[@pepperpower1652]

Next for election//// Fake// p.a.n.d.e.m.i.c😮 Hope people / stay away from/// 💉💉💉// gives YOU/ d.i.s.e.a.s.e.s!!

[@kmilks]

That’s the point. He should have never gone, that should have never entered his mind. Shows he is incredibly stupid or a traitor.

[@MarekKolenda-cr8vr]

Get into trap from Russia fiancé

[@reecom9884]

All the Americans detained in Russia went to Russia knowing the risks. The US soldier went to Russia without notifying his superiors and without permission.

[@agnelomascarenhas8990]

How does it apply to a journalist.

[@reecom9884]

@@agnelomascarenhas8990 He knew the risks reporting in Russia. Do you think a journalist would be protected in Russia?

[@reecom9884]

@@agnelomascarenhas8990 So far the only Americans that can expect some form of protection are an American with diplomatic immunity who can only be persona non grata and expelled from Russia, everyone else is up for grabs!

[@agnelomascarenhas8990]

@@reecom9884 By that argument, even diplomats are not safe.

[@reecom9884]

@@agnelomascarenhas8990 No American diplomat has been arrested yet. They also know the risk with a Russia posting would bring.

[@lilmamagc]

no maam, he went there voluntarily like a fool and he should serve his prison sentence

[@Lora-G]

It's like going to an island full of cannibals and wondering why they tied you up and are heating up a huge pot over a fire😂. Too bad bozo.

[@masterlightjames950]

Only it's in America that cannibals like Dahmer live.

[@roscoejenkins2337]

Fully aware of the current situation… He went to Russia with an American attitude… let him sit

[@kenjohnson8751]

How was Griner wrongfully detained? She was smuggling in some cannabis product and she knew it.

[@dlutes2995]

Agree! SMH

[@rochellemarieb]

like the men with ammunition in the Caribbean with their ammo?

[@LuiCypher]

​@@rochellemarieb isn't it funny how they over look what doesn't fit their narrative

[@markhepworth]

Can’t reply to a basic comparison..? You’re a Trumpanzee aren’t you..😂

[@MultiMenvafan]

"Some" is doing some ridiculous heavy lifting here. She had trace amounts of MJ. Naturally anyone with a clue knows that Russian customs can frame you for anything if they think they can trade you. Stay the F out of KGB-land

[@Do-not-be-sheep]

I feel for the parents. We love our kids regardless of the decisions they make for themselves - stupid or smart. The USA government needs to draw the line at some point because these idiots who go to Russia, North Korea, Iran or China - despite the travel warnings - don't just put themselves at risk they put their entire country at risk. The tyrants that run these countries know that the USA will do almost anything to secure their release. This time they should leave him in Russia and use it as a lesson for any other idiot who decides to travel to any country with a no travel warning.

[@denisemashburn4265]

He made a bad choice. Quit asking the government to get involved. He went to a place knowing the risks.

[@Timetraveler101]

Urge the Biden administration to do more ? Come on ! ..you as family even warm him not to go ! .stupidity has to stop

[@keithdarling4925]

Why would any sane person go to RUSSIA...PAST says it all

[@BirgerJarl-it5lz]

He is a Trump and Putin supporter and thought Russia was his friend

[@stevenhancock301]

He was thinking with his small head that has no brain.

[@marias5088]

Why would any sane person go to America with all its shoo-ings and mental health crises?

[@masterlightjames950]

Many sane people are there, living happily. None of them are hunched over in the streets like you and your folks in Philadelphia.

[@moorah47]

Stupid idea for going to Russia knows that you are a US soldier.

[@aug2890]

Spy caught

[@MrTabo2023]

He's a grown man who went to Russia without permission. As an active duty military person he needs permission to go to Russia. Let the chips fall where they may. If he is manhandled and made a girlfriend of Boris Bedanoff...oh well.

[@jwkm6918]

Can't fix stupid! 🤣🤣🤣

[@parrotcracker6629]

Biden doesn't need to try harder. In fact he should've just left Griner well enough alone in Russia. Your son is a US soldier, he should know better.

[@lilmamagc]

don't go to Russia. don't go to Mexico

[@carolforbes1559]

So much BS for a sexual encounter!

[@nndo6953]

Horrible decision to be in Russia in the first place.

[@AlbertoGilardini]

stupid decision i would say

[@joycegarrett8557]

And he tried to rob her and was fighting her. To top it off he didn’t have permission to go there. GTFOH.

[@FishandHunt]

That dude was not thinking with the big head.

[@jacksonpark6470]

He was thinking with his 😂😂

[@FishandHunt]

@@jacksonpark6470 Little head 😂

[@FishandHunt]

@@jacksonpark6470 He was thinking with his little head.

[@AlbertoGilardini]

nor the small he looks stupid AF

[@moe6186]

Stop breaking the law

[@sarafinasegale9537]

Why was he was in Russia? He enter Russia without proper permission? He was so desperate for female companionship he entered Russia, risked his military career and jeopardized communications with his country and Russia??

[@rochellemarieb]

Brittney did 10 months. What has it been a week?

[@piratejoan]

How about you interview the wife of unlawfully detained American citizen in Nigeria Tigran Gambaryan. He's been unjustly held in a terrorist prison for weeks & weeks now. PLEASE REPORT ON THIS 🙏

[@mikedoesstuff4222]

Dude got suckered by a fake-girlfriend scam. Do they still play Private Snafu videos to educate the troops about bad decisions?

[@joneal8360]

He went on his own. Shame

[@TB-yp4un]

Your son should not have been in Russia!

[@bernardwylie9760]

What I want to tell these parents is, Go vote for Trump and see how “proactive” he is 😒. There a reason this stuff is done quietly. You won’t hear much.

[@mdwoolsey1]

Sounds as though he found what he wanted. Asking for help for an adult who intentionally enters an enemy state, should be treated with very limited attention.

[@swat486]

It’s the soldiers fault and should have known better.

[@resnovmaldonado1943]

His fault for being there!

[@Dan0948]

Donald said his supporters weren't very smart

[@bernardwylie9760]

You do get that sense from them, don’t you…..nonetheless, the United States does make efforts to get a citizen who is wrongfully detained back.

[@Dan0948]

@@bernardwylie9760 I'm not arguing that he should suffer under a fascist ruler, like he wants to with his potential support for Trump

[@Cund]

Was he really wrongfully detained though?​@@bernardwylie9760

[@deecollins2661]

@@Dan0948lol jfk jr for president.

[@Dan0948]

@@deecollins2661 I watch the news the day Bobby Kennedy was murdered his brother President Kennedy was murdered Martin Luther King was murdered.. everybody in the Kennedy family agrees with me Bobby is not like his dad or his uncle, or for that matter anybody else in his family. Tell us why Bobby Kennedy's ex-wife committed suicide. Did it have anything to do with his Trump like promiscuity

[@Zac.r90]

This totally his fault

[@gladysgarcia6296]

Did he ask his parents for permission to go to Russia?

[@luisnavarro7551]

Blame the girl....he should know better...

[@willoweezie1]

what's he doing there? I cannot imagine any american thinking this was wise

[@l2ikardo]

4:25 wrongfully detained?!

[@David-vf5rf]

Maybe next time they can trade Ghengis Khan for Little Orphan Anny!!!

[@kun00]

This was his choice, let him figure it out

[@occamsrazorblades]

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.

[@happykitten5695]

🙏 Peace and LOVE for ONE and ALL 🕊❤‍🔥 .

[@CoachT-gr1wo]

So, she gets caught with Marijuana but we are trying to justify another countries law? - If she would had gotten caught in Peru, her story would had been the same. Chris gets arrested for stealing money from his girlfriend and we want him to be treated as if it was nothing? haha.. San Francisco laws do not apply in Russia.

[@shiwadaay07]

Exactly! That's why Russian embassies and consulates in the US already warn on their own current websites about which medicines and drugs are illegal in Russia. I myself heard about what's going on in a Deaf community in Moscow, Russia, that a president (hearing person) and some vice-presidents (hard-of-hearing persons) of All-Russian Society of the Deaf had been arrested for committing multi-million rubles embezzlement and fraud during the sale of the VOG building in the center of Moscow, and also signed fictitious acts about allegedly completed work during the execution of contracts for the repair and reconstruction of the organization’s premises. There is no difference in nationality, Russian or American, or any nationality in Russia, America, Peru, and any country. Those Americans who were "detained" have no common sense, is which why they got themselves arrested. I completely agree with you.

[@edwsc3]

I saw on another news report thiis man SUPPORTS russia and Trump.

[@Isaiah-Johnson0248]

That Boy ain't coming home until 2087

[@lilmamagc]

nah they said it could be a 5 yr prison sentence

[@S.E.O.S]

People if you go abroad to buy honey make sure you pay up!

[@dlutes2995]

Brittney Griner wrongfully detained?!? I call BS! She had thc oil in her bag. She was well aware it was there! She broke Russian law. Wrongfully detained my a$$. 🤬

[@randomname1251]

Yes, but the sentence handed down was MUCH harsher than is normally given in Russia. It was clearly a politically motivated sentence. THAT’S the reason for the “wrongful detainment”

[@MagisterXII]

It's about the sentence, not the offense you clown.

[@masterlightjames950]

​@@randomname1251Russians are given similar punishments in America without being proven guilty.

[@elenamonteagudo9855]

Stop calling woman that man 🙄

[@tungsten1979]

With all the tension going on between the two countries.....this american active duty soldier based in korea thinks it is the best time to date a russian and even travel to Russia?

[@leohorishny9561]

How’s his basketball game?

[@mora103]

With Putin running things its not worth risking it for the biscuit over there 😅 Definitely should have known better 😒

[@JP71165]

This good Sargent’s predicament is slightly different than the other Americans being held in Russia. I thought you need a Visa to get into Russia.

[@luisnavarro7551]

No excuses no exceptions

[@lilmamagc]

the passport bros strike again 😂😂😂😂

[@2012isnear-my-my-my]

here is my advise to you all fame seekers out there. the easiest way to fame you can achieve is going to Russia do some stupid sheet get arrested and there you are.if you cut corners and get arrested in another country that wont do it must be Russia .

[@Ed_Stuckey]

_stay safe, be careful right now_ Great advice, a little late.

[@juandez87]

Risking Going to Russia for an unstable girl he met online 🤦🏻 plus been a US Military!! Sorry but that was a really stupid move!!!

[@anotherelvis]

He did this to himself. Let him stay till the end of the war.

[@TylerDCurtis]

His parents look like they have a Lets Go Brandon sticker on the back of their car.

[@BirgerJarl-it5lz]

Yup, he´s a Trump and Putin supporter and thought Russia was his friend

[@nickarnot1476]

He got honey trapped by russia government

[@user-rh3yl7ip9c]

FREE PAUL!

[@noduh736]

Bg wasnt wrongfully detained she was guilty shoulda left her there and brought paul home

[@piratejoan]

Yet we have an INNOCENT American citizen Tigran Gambaryan who was invited to Nigeria for his employer under false pretenses and was immediately taken into custody, has now been detained and put in a prison with terrorists. He has been unlawfully detained for over a month and we cant get any news affiliates to cover this story....why?

[@MoneyMan28]

Don't go to nigeria

[@marias5088]

This may come as a huge surprise to many Americans, but thieves get imprisoned in Russia. If you are a thief, go to California instead.

[@cocoknows]

A lot of victim blaming in these comments. You people are horrid.

[@PsychiCorey]

Stealing heart of Russian girl UNFORGIVABLE!

[@leohorishny9561]

No! Your thieving son made a horrible mistake. He’ll get out likely after serving in the Ukraine Brigade.🤷🏼‍♂️

[@cas442]

Serious mistake on his part. He should have not gone to Russia for any reason!

[@dodo-og2ss]

… yikes

[@the_right_nut_4722]

He got lured by the black widow

[@davidcarruthers5850]

WGAS ???

[@kingbradley9066]

So almost like the story of Sampson. He let Lust make his decisions, and became a prisoner to a foreign enemy. Hope his story doesn't end like Sampson's.

[@hunterbiden6913]

China has him

[@CM-pm2qr]

And why did he go again? Knowing what's going on? Is anyone using common sense. Then your family wants help to get you back.

[@user-jr5so6tk6h]

It’s a lie Americans are moving to Russia and making Utube videos just don’t be a crook and USA said there is no boots on the ground then what is that

[@phileasler5401]

Can you say Jack Teixeira

[@gladysgarcia6296]

Papa Biden.. now he has to go and rescue him

[@bikinglikebecker]

even american police have a long history of making things up..

[@Atlantafied]

He got set up by a Russian 304

[@Chicago48]

Is 304 a female plant? LMAO - I agree.

[@lino222]

@@Chicago48 i love female plants...420

[@CharlotteFerrariBreton]

Why is everyone still referring to Britney Griner as she when she is clearly a man? Lol

[@rbra9611]

According to the GOP Putin is such a good guy.

[@philipfrazee5661]

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. What was your take on Romeo’s mom…you know, the old gal with no teeth ? 🦷 😮

[@ilenecates9420]

Joe must not have ball !

[@AlbertoGilardini]

you have to be retraded to go to russia being American hahaha stpAF

[@YssaRee]

Feel for family.. Enlisted: 🚫 ask. Ignorant of 🍯 pot scams: chases the 😻. NO TRAVEL: defies. Maybe realized her con/tried to recoup 💵.. Hardly a victim. 🇺🇸 will help; NO magic ahead.

[@AHMADSAEED-rx5bp]

Free Jammu and Kashmir Insh Allah jammu and Kashmir issue exists on the UNO charter today also

[@user-lp6kp2bc3e]

سوف ينتصر اول زعيم عربي في التاريخ بشار الأسد انا ليس اقول هاذ الكلاام هناك ناس تقول هاذ الكلاام وليس انا🇸🇾

[@Abimenu-dq7rg]

I guss russian think he is spy

[@crazyivan2356]

Little do you about russia. Everything is always planned ahead.

[@Davidhust1e]

GGs

[@ashokindian36]

😂🎉

[@Unknown-kf9ed]

Unfortunately, he's not black or gay nor a basketball player. 😕

[@jaybee6892]

Nope he’s a simp and a soldier big difference

[@chiefhunter3426]

THE BASKETBALL PLAYER HAD WEED ON HER! THATS NOT WRONGFULLY DETAINING HER! FREE THE HEROS NOT SPORTS PLAYERS

[@dominique217]

Heros? 😂