Who is Austin Tice? Mom of missing US journalist says son is alive and well

Austin Tice is a freelance journalist and Marine veteran who went missing over 12 years ago while reporting on the Syrian civil war. Known for his work with prominent news outlets like CBS News, the Washington Post, and McClatchy, Tice was kidnapped on August 14, 2012, while documenting the conflict.

A video surfaced weeks after he was kidnapped showing a blindfolded and distressed Tice with his apparent captors, marking the last time he was seen. In a news conference held on Friday, the Tice family interviewed with the media. Debra Tice, Austin's mother, said that Austin is alive. She expressed:

"We have from a significant source that has already been vetted all over our government, Austin Tice is alive, Austin Tice is treated well. And there is no doubt about that."

Marc Tice, Austin's father, also stated that the new information is 'significantly different' from previous leads, according to CBS News. He said:

"We are confident that this information is fresh. It indicates as late as earlier this year that Austin is alive and being cared for."

Debra Tice, Austin's mother, affirmed the credibility of the information, noting:

"Almost every entity in the United States government regarding security has verified it."

As reported by The Guardian, President Joe Biden while speaking to reporters at the White House on Sunday, emphasized that the U.S. government is determined to bring Austin Tice home, particularly after the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is no longer in power. Biden said:

“We think we can get him back... We’ve remained committed to returning him to his family.”

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How and when did Austin Tice vanish?

According to a page called austinticefamily.com, in the summer of 2012, just before his final year at Georgetown Law School, Austin Tice made the decision to travel to Syria as a freelance journalist. His mission was to document the ongoing civil war and its devastating impact on the Syrian people.

By August, Austin Tice had traveled to a region south of Damascus to report on the conflict’s effects. He was scheduled to leave for Lebanon on August 14, three days after his 31st birthday. However, during a trip from the suburb of Darayya, he was detained at a checkpoint, and his whereabouts became unknown.

Five weeks later, a 43-second video surfaced titled 'Austin Tice is Alive,' showing him being held by armed men, though no further information was provided. This was the last piece of communication from his captors. Despite the lack of direct contact or demands, both the U.S. government and other reliable sources believe Austin is still alive. There is a shared belief that the Syrian government plays a critical role in ensuring his safe return.

Debra Tice also expressed hope that President-elect Donald Trump could make a positive difference in the case once he assumes office in January. She noted that during his first term, Trump was deeply focused on bringing her son home, but she felt his efforts were hindered by certain officials in his administration.