Austin has been held captive in Syria for 4129 days 17 hours 51 minutes 1 second

BAKER PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP: AUSTIN BENNETT TICE

Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy honors Austin Tice for his courage and service in reporting on Syria’s violent and tragic civil war. His outstanding work exemplifies the values of the James A. Baker III Prize for Excellence in Leadership. This event marks the eighth time the award has been conferred in the Baker Institute’s 28-year history.

Thank you for joining us in the 2023 Run for Austin

It was a fun, successful, and uplifting event!

We know awareness of Austin’s plight was raised wherever you were

Don’t forget to tag and share your photos! @freeaustintice, @national_press and #freeaustintice

This is Austin Tice

Austin is an award winning journalist, the recipient of the 2012 George Polk Award for War Reporting, the 2012 McClatchy Newspapers President’s Award, and the 2015 National Press Club John Aubuchon Freedom of the Press Award. He is a veteran Captain in the United States Marine Corps, graduate of Georgetown University, National Merit Finalist and an Eagle Scout.

The United States Government is offering a reward of up to $1 million for information leading directly to Austins’ safe location, recovery, and return. If you have any information concerning Austin, please contact the FBI Tip Line at tips.fbi.gov or findaustintice@fbi.gov. You can also contact your local FBI office, or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.

Austin’s Captivity

In May of 2012, the summer before Austin’s final year at Georgetown Law School, he chose to go to Syria as a freelance journalist.  Austin went to tell the story of the ongoing conflict there and its impact on the ordinary people of Syria.

In August 2012, Austin made his way just south of Damascus to write his final pieces.  He planned to depart for Lebanon on August 14, three days after his 31st birthday.  He got into a car in the Damascus suburb of Darayya to make the trip, but shortly after leaving was detained at a check point.

Five weeks later, a 43-second video emerged with the title, “Austin Tice is Alive”.  It showed Austin being held by a group of unidentified armed men.  No other message accompanied the video.  This is the only information we have received from his captors.  No one has contacted us to claim responsibility, nor have we been told what is required to secure his safe release. Most importantly we, the United States government, and other credible sources believe Austin is alive. We also believe the Syrian government is best able to assist with Austin’s safe return.

Our plea is simple:  We ask the governments of the Syrian Arab Republic and the United States to directly engage with each other in diplomatic efforts until Austin is safely home.

Contact Us

Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and support of Austin and our family.  It is these things, along with the dedicated work of many, many people, which are sustaining us and which will, by the will of God, bring Austin safely home to us.

We ask everyone who can to contact officials and representatives of the United States or Syrian governments, and tell them it is important to you that Austin comes safely home.

If you have any information regarding Austin’s circumstances or well-being, please contact us!
Thank you for joining us in the 2023 Run for Austin!
It was a fun, successful, and uplifting event.
Don’t forget to tag and share your photos! @freeaustintice, @national_press and #freeaustintice

Austin has been held captive in Syria for 4129 days 17 hours 51 minutes 1 second
This is Austin Tice

Austin is an award winning journalist, the recipient of the 2012 George Polk Award for War Reporting, the 2012 McClatchy Newspapers President’s Award, and the 2015 National Press Club John Aubuchon Freedom of the Press Award. He is a veteran Captain in the United States Marine Corps, graduate of Georgetown University, National Merit Finalist and an Eagle Scout.

The United States Government is offering a reward of up to $1 million for information leading directly to Austins’ safe location, recovery, and return. If you have any information concerning Austin, please contact the FBI Tip Line at tips.fbi.gov or findaustintice@fbi.gov. You can also contact your local FBI office, or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.

Austin’s Captivity

In May of 2012, the summer before Austin’s final year at Georgetown Law School, he chose to go to Syria as a freelance journalist.  Austin went to tell the story of the ongoing conflict there and its impact on the ordinary people of Syria.

In August 2012, Austin made his way just south of Damascus to write his final pieces.  He planned to depart for Lebanon on August 14, three days after his 31st birthday.  He got into a car in the Damascus suburb of Darayya to make the trip, but shortly after leaving was detained at a check point.

Five weeks later, a 43-second video emerged with the title, “Austin Tice is Alive”.  It showed Austin being held by a group of unidentified armed men.  No other message accompanied the video.  This is the only information we have received from his captors.  No one has contacted us to claim responsibility, nor have we been told what is required to secure his safe release. Most importantly we, the United States government, and other credible sources believe Austin is alive. We also believe the Syrian government is best able to assist with Austin’s safe return.

Our plea is simple:  We ask the governments of the Syrian Arab Republic and the United States to directly engage with each other in diplomatic efforts until Austin is safely home.

Contact Us

Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and support of Austin and our family.  It is these things, along with the dedicated work of many, many people, which are sustaining us and which will, by the will of God, bring Austin safely home to us.

We ask everyone who can to contact officials and representatives of the United States or Syrian governments, and tell them it is important to you that Austin comes safely home.

If you have any information regarding Austin’s circumstances or well-being, please contact us!