Three Americans detained for more than a year in North Korea were welcomed back to the United States by President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and other members of the administration at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland early Thursday.
>> MORE: PHOTOS: Trump welcomes 3 Americans detained in North Korea back to U.S. I Trump: 3 Americans released by North Korea | More trending news
The detainees, identified by The Associated Press as Kim Dong Chul, Kim Hak Song and Tony Kim, reportedly were released Wednesday.
After Trump and the detainees briefly spoke to members of the media, the men were taken to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for treatment, the AP reported.
>> Watch a video of their arrival
Here are the latest updates from the scene:
Update 6:07 a.m. EDT Thursday: President Donald Trump took to Twitter to share a video showing clips from his meeting with three Americans who returned to the U.S. early Thursday after being detained in North Korea.
"On behalf of the American people, WELCOME HOME!" Trump tweeted.
Earlier Thursday, Vice President Mike Pence also tweeted about the detainees’ return.
“Great day to be an American! Because of @POTUS Trump’s strong leadership, tonight we welcomed home three Americans from captivity in North Korea. Honored to be there to say Welcome Home! #GodblessAmerica,” Pence wrote.
Update 3:02 a.m. EDT Thursday: The three freed detainees have exited the plane with President Donald Trump and the first lady.
“This is a very special night for these really great people,” Trump said to members of the press at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, adding that he “very much appreciates” that North Korea released them.
Trump continued: “I’m very honored to have helped these three folks. They’ve been through a lot. The true honor is going to be if we have a victory in getting rid of nuclear weapons.”
When one detainee was asked how it felt to be back in America, he said, “It’s like a dream.”
Update 2:57 a.m. EDT Thursday: President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump have boarded the plane to speak with the detainees freed by North Korea.
Update 2:44 a.m. EDT Thursday: The plane carrying the American detainees has arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
Update 2:37 a.m. EDT Thursday: The plane carrying Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
Update 2:23 a.m. EDT Thursday: President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump have arrived at Joint Base Andrews.
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