American citizen William Russell Nycum has been detained in Moscow, Russia. He is accused of breaking into a children’s library and undressing himself.
“In accordance with the protocol on an administrative offense, a U.S. citizen drank alcoholic beverages, then was found in the yard, naked, expressed obvious disrespect for society, citizens and public order, for which he was detained by police officers,” according to a Moscow court.
The U.S. Embassy says it is “aware of reports that a U.S. citizen has been detained in Russia,” and “take[s] seriously our commitment to assist U.S. citizens abroad and provide all appropriate consular assistance.”
The Embassy refused to offer any comment on the case beyond this “[d]ue to privacy considerations.”
News of Nycum’s detention comes as another American citizen, Staff Sergeant Gordon Black, was detained in the Russian Far East. Black, stationed in South Korea, traveled to Vladivostok without authorization, reportedly to meet a woman he was romantically involved with. He was arrested after allegedly attacking and robbing her.
Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, suggested Staff Sergeant Black could be a “hostage.” Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, detained since 2023, has been described in similar terms.
Donald Trump has blamed the situation on Joe Biden’s ineptitude and weakness and vowed he will secure Gershkovich’s release when he is reelected.