Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Trump on Thursday in his first public remarks since being pardoned by the Commander-in-Chief, freeing him from a life sentence.
“Last night, Donald Trump granted me a full pardon. I was incarcerated for over 11 years, living without parole. But he let me out. “I'm a free man now, so let it be known that Donald Trump is a man of his word.'' ulbricht said In a video posted on X.
Ulbricht, 40, was convicted in February 2015 for his connection to the notorious dark web market where users could anonymously buy and sell drugs and various drugs, and was sentenced to double life sentences and 40 years in a maximum security prison. He was sentenced to 20 years and was serving time in prison in Arizona. Other illegal items using Bitcoin.
President Trump called Ulbricht's punishment “ridiculous” in his pardon announcement, but vowed last May to free the Silk Road founder.
“President Trump, thank you so much for giving me this wonderful blessing,” Ulbricht continued, placing his hand on his heart.
“I'm so grateful to have my life back, my future back, and a second chance,” he added.
In addition to the harsh sentence handed down to Ulbricht, who used the name “Dread Pirate Roberts” at the Silk Road Market he allegedly ran, Trump, 78, is also known for his mother, Lynne Ulbricht, and “Liberal Man.” He suggested that he granted the pardon to “pay respect” to Exercise has supported me so much. ”
Liberals, who consider Ulbricht a Bitcoin pioneer and free market hero, have long called for his release.
“This is a very important moment for me and for my entire family,” Ulbricht said. “This is a big moment for everyone who has been working on this for years. This is a win, and it's your win too.”
“This is an important moment for everyone everywhere who loves freedom and cares about second chances.”
Ulbricht said his first days as a free man felt both “amazing” and “overwhelming” and said he planned to spend “as much time as necessary” with his family.
“But there's a lot to talk about,” he added. “And I look forward to rejoining the free world when I feel like it.”
