Edward Snowden Given Award By Former US Officials

Edward Snowden was reportedly given an award by four former US government officials. The men who once allegedly worked for the CIA, NSA, Justice Department, and the FBI traveled to Russia to meet with the whistleblower, according to the Daily Mail. Snowden’s father Lon arrived in the former Soviet Union separate from the other men in order to have a visit with his son.

The four former federal staffers are the first known Americans to see Edward Snowden since he fled the country. During a series of interviews with the Associated Press, the group detailed the evening they spent with the one-time NSA staffer now accused of espionage.

According to Thomas Drake, a former NSA executive, the group of retired government officers presented Edward Snowden with an award distributed annually by a group of retirees. Drake also said, “He spoke about going out and about and getting to understand Russia and its culture and the people. This is where he lives now, and so where you live is your home.” Like Snowden, Drake was also once brought up on espionage charges. He was ultimately convicted on lesser charges and sentenced to a single year of probation and community service.

Lon Snowden told the media that he doubts his son will ever come back to America. Although he had not spoken to his son prior to the interview, the father stated that he heard the NSA whistleblower is going well, under the circumstances. The elder Snowden added that at least his son is safe and free.

The four former government staffers would not divulge Edward Snowden’s exact whereabouts for the sake of the man’s safety. The controversial former NSA staffer is considered a traitor by some, but a hero by others.

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