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Travis Timmerman, a Missouri man who had been missing since May, was found in Syria where he claimed to have been on a “pilgrimage” to Damascus. Timmerman said he had spent months in a Syrian prison after crossing into the country on foot. His discovery shocked locals, journalists, and rebel officials as thousands of detainees were released following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad.
Timmerman, 29, was seen in a video surrounded by reporters in a building on the outskirts of Damascus. He claimed to have been freed from prison as Assad’s regime was toppled. Timmerman’s calm demeanor raised speculation that he could be American journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared in Syria in 2012.
Timmerman had traveled from Europe to Lebanon before crossing into Syria in late May, where he was detained after being spotted by a border guard. Authorities in Missouri and Budapest had previously put out missing person reports for a man named Pete Timmerman, with Hungarian police identifying him as “Travis” Pete Timmerman.
Despite offers for help from U.S. officials, Timmerman declined and said he was “okay for right now.” The U.S. official confirmed awareness of an American being found in Syria but provided no further information. Timmerman’s journey and time in prison in Syria remain unclear as he awaits further assistance and support.
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