Princeton Journalist Evan Gershkovich Jailing In Russia Sparks Concern

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton Public Schools, Governor Phil Murphy and the White House shared their concern, outrage and effort to help over the detainment of Evan Gershkovich in Russia.

Gershkovich, 31, a journalist working for the Wall Street Journal, was detained by Russian officials on spying accusations. More: Russia Detains NJ Native Working For Wall Street Journal: Reports

He graduated from Princeton High School in 2010 and then attended Bowdoin College.

Princeton High School alumni and his soccer teammates are trying to support Gershkovich’s family during this time, district officials said.

“Princeton Public Schools shares the community's concern about the news that Evan Gershkovich, a graduate of Princeton High School and a Wall Street Journal reporter, has been detained in Russia,” the school district said in a statement Thursday afternoon. Gershkovich was an active and engaged member of the PHS community.

It has been a difficult morning for Princeton High School alumni, especially those who played soccer with Gershkovich, the district said.

“I knew Evan Gershkovich well,” said Wayne Sutcliffe, a physical education teacher at Princeton High School and head soccer coach.

“He was captain of the Princeton High School 2009 soccer team, which won the New Jersey State Championship. I have been fielding text messages all morning from our Princeton High School soccer alumni, all of whom are trying to find a way we can help to support Evan’s family.”

Gershkovich was described as a “terrific kid and great soccer captain” by an alumna who knew him. His peers said he was an outstanding student and an exceptional athlete during his time at PHS.

This is the first time a U.S. correspondent has been detained on spying accusations in Russia since the Cold War.

Russia's main security service, the Federal Security Service (FSB) has accused Gershkovich of trying to obtain classified information, a charge the Wall Street Journal has denied.

A Russian court has ordered him detained until May 29, according to the Journal.

Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday said he was "outraged by the politically-motivated detention" of Gershkovich. "The Putin regime is brazenly targeting American citizens. We will do everything in our power to help bring Evan home," Murphy said on Twitter.

Meanwhile, the White House said they were in contact with Gershkovich's family and have been in direct touch with the Russian government to secure consular access to Gershkovich.

"The targeting of American citizens by the Russian government is unacceptable. We condemn the detention of Mr. Gershkovich in the strongest terms," the White House said in a press statement.

"We also condemn the Russian government’s continued targeting and repression of journalists and freedom of the press."

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released a statement Thursday saying Gershkovich's detention was "outrageous and unacceptable."

"He must be safely and immediately returned to his family. I'm working with my colleagues in the New Jersey delegation and the Administration to ensure his immediate release."

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