top of page

US Family Baffled by Son's Link to Failed Congolese Coup; seek release

profile photo.webp

Author Name

1/1/2035

Thompson, on his first international trip with friend Marcel Malanga, was caught in the aftermath of a coup led by Marcel's father, Christian Malanga, a former DRC politician. The coup attempt on May 19 resulted in the occupation of the Palais de la Nation by heavily armed men.

Rebecca Higbee the mother of Tyler Thompson, points to her son and his friend Marcel during his 21st birthday with his family on Thursday, May 30, 2024, in West Jordan, Utah.

Utah resident Tyler Thompson, 21, has been detained in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a failed coup attempt last month. His family says they have "zero idea" how he became involved.


Thompson, on his first international trip with friend Marcel Malanga, was caught in the aftermath of a coup led by Marcel's father, Christian Malanga, a former DRC politician. The coup attempt on May 19 resulted in the occupation of the Palais de la Nation by heavily armed men.


Fifty suspects, including three Americans, were detained. Six people, including Christian Malanga, were killed during the incident. Videos show Thompson being assaulted by Congolese security forces. His family has not heard from him since, and US consular officials have been denied access.


Thompson's stepmother, Miranda Thompson, expressed disbelief and concern for his health, describing him as "incredibly kind and generous" and unlikely to participate in a coup willingly.


The family has launched a campaign urging public pressure on US officials to secure Thompson's release. The US State Department confirmed it has requested access to detained US citizens but has not yet received it.


"We just want to know that he's OK and healthy," said Miranda Thompson. "Any parent would want that."

More Stories

Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says

Ethiopia

Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says

Community

Jul 22, 2024

South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image

South Sudan

South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image

Sports

Jul 22, 2024

Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal

Nigerian

Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal

Sports

Jul 21, 2024

bottom of page