On April 10, 2024, our son Tyler Thompson traveled to Africa with his friend Marcel to visit Marcel’s family and explore the world. On May 19, we were stunned and heartbroken to see videos of Tyler being beaten and detained. We have no idea how he ended up in such a volatile situation in the DRC.

We are certain Tyler did not go to Africa with plans that would have put him in harm’s way or bring harm to others. He was simply excited to explore Africa as a tourist. Tyler is a loving and peaceful person with no criminal record. He is respectful, hard working, and a much-loved son and brother. We are so lost and feel so frightened about how he ended up in this mess, so far from his loving home.

As the days pass, our desperation increases. We need your help:

• Please stay informed about this situation and reach out to anyone you know in your broader circles who might have influence in the DRC (church, government, business, etc).

• Visit this site for more information regarding the situation and how you can help. www.bringtylerhome.com

• Write letters to your senate and congress leaders informing them of the situation. You can find templates for letters as well as the contact information on our site.

• If you are able, please consider contributing financial support for Tyler and family’s ongoing recovery, which includes extensive medical needs, therapy and continued work on mental physical and emotional recovery. Payment for personal relations personal, journalist, US legal fees, web page organizer, paying Tyler’s car off, insurance, paying Tylers bills, glasses, office supplies, and travel for family members within the United States.

Your help would mean the world to our family.

Thank you for your time, love, and support as we try to navigate this heartbreaking, terrifying, and unimaginable situation.