Pardoned Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht thanks Trump for releasing him from life sentence

In a video posted on X on Thursday, Ulbricht, 40, said, “Last night, Donald Trump granted me a full pardon. I had been serving life without parole and was locked up for over 11 years. But he freed me. Now I’m a free man. So, let it be known that Donald Trump keeps his word.”

Ulbricht was serving a double life sentence at a maximum-security prison in Arizona after a 2015 conviction for his role in the Silk Road, a dark web marketplace that used Bitcoin for its currency. Many purchases on the marketplace included narcotics as well as other illicit items.

President Trump, who had condemned Ulbricht’s sentence as “ridiculous,” wrote in his previous pardon announcement, “I just called the mother of Ross William Ulbright [sic] to let her know that in honor of her and the Libertarian Movement, which supported me so strongly, it was my pleasure to have just signed a full and unconditional pardon of her son, Ross.”

Ulbricht continued his message, saying, “Thank you so much, President Trump, for this incredible blessing,” placing his hand on his chest. “This is a monumental moment for me and my entire family,” Ulbricht later added. “It’s also a major moment for everyone who has been working for this cause. This victory is yours too.”

He added, “This is an important moment for everyone who believes in freedom and second chances.”

Ulbricht was apprehended in San Francisco in October 2013 and charged with operating Silk Road and accepting Bitcoin as payment, all while using the alias “Dread Pirate Roberts.” He was found guilty in February 2015 on charges of drug trafficking, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and computer hacking.