Ross Ulbricht Reunites with Family as Support Pours In

Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, once sentenced to life without parole, is now a free man after receiving a full pardon from former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaking publicly for the first time since his release, Ulbricht expressed his gratitude, calling the pardon a transformative moment that restored his life and future after 11 years in prison.

In a video shared on January 23, Ulbricht described the experience as surreal, highlighting his deep appreciation for Trump’s decision. Supporters of Ulbricht have shared heartfelt accounts of his reunion with family, describing the past few days as a whirlwind of joy and disbelief.

Following his release, Ulbricht received overwhelming support, with donations pouring into a wallet tied to the “Free Ross” campaign. Contributions have exceeded $270,000, including a $111,111 donation from crypto exchange Kraken and smaller amounts in cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Solana, and Dogecoin. Ulbricht stated he plans to use this time to reconnect with loved ones and heal from his years behind bars.

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While supporters have rallied behind him, it’s believed Ulbricht may have access to a significant Bitcoin fortune. Coinbase executive Conor Grogan revealed that 430 BTC, worth $47 million, remains untouched in wallets linked to Ulbricht, with some dormant for over 13 years. These funds were never seized by authorities, sparking speculation about his financial future.

Ulbricht views his release as a testament to the power of redemption and hopes to use his newfound freedom to rebuild his life while advocating for second chances.

Alexander Zdravkov