Is 'Merchant of Death' Viktor Bout a Terrorist?
Facts And Fact Checking,Viktor Bout,Brittney Griner,Russia,Terrorism,Defense And Security
Speaking to reporters at the White House Monday, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan refused to overtly state convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, who was recently released from a U.S. prison in exchange for WNBA player Brittney Griner, is a terrorist.
"I'm curious, does the administration consider Viktor Bout to be a terrorist?" Sullivan was asked.
CLAIM: "Well, he's not listed as a “Specially Designated National.” What we consider him to have been was a convicted criminal, convicted of arms trafficking and other crimes, to serve a sentence. He's served 12 years in detention; he was set to be released in 2029," Sullivan said.
"And, of course, before we make any determination about whether to send somebody back as part of a deal to get an American home, we make a determination about the national security implications of that. We did that assessment in this case," he continued. "We believe we can manage those challenges, but we will remain constantly vigilant against any threat that Viktor Bout may pose to Americans, to the United States going forward."
