WASHINGTON, DC – On March 5, 2025, the Foley Foundation will present its latest independent, nonpartisan, research analyzing the evolving threat of international hostage-taking facing Americans in an online event starting at 12 PM Eastern. The full research report will be released on the foundation’s website simultaneously.
Continuing the foundation’s seven-year groundbreaking Bringing Americans Homeresearch series, Foley Foundation Director of Research and Hostage Advocacy, Elizabeth Richards, will present her most recent findings based on a statistical analysis of hostage-takings and wrongful detentions through the end of 2024. Then, a panel of experts will explore the report’s implications, including how America can better deter and prevent the heinous practices of international hostage-taking and so-called “hostage diplomacy.”
To register for the event, visit www.bringingamericanshome.org.
The full agenda will also include:
- Opening remarks by Foley Foundation President & Founder Diane Foley
- A moment to remember Americans who have perished while held unjustly captive abroad
Panelists will include:
Holly Lindquist Thomas, Director for Deterrence, Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs at the U.S. Department of State
Brian Jenkins, senior adviser to the president and former chair of the political science department at RAND; author of numerous books, reports, and articles on terrorism-related topics; former Green Beret captain; and decorated combat veteran.
Elizabeth Richards, Foley Foundation Director of Research & Hostage Advocacy
Christopher O’Leary, Senior Vice President for Global Operations at The Soufan Group who has over two decades of experience in counterterrorism investigations and operations as an FBI Supervisory Special Agent and Senior Executive; former director of the interagency Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell which is dedicated to safely bringing home Americans taken hostage abroad.
Panel moderator: Benjamin Gray, Foley Foundation Executive Director
