SPARTANBURG, S.C. – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said on Tuesday that a South Carolina family has been extracted from Syria safely after being trapped during a visit.
Desiree Gomez, the assistant principal of a South Carolina elementary school, her husband Mohamad Shokair, and their 18-month-old daughter traveled to As Suwayda, Syria to visit family when violence erupted.
In a video captured by Gomez, you can hear explosions and gunfire, while the family shelters in place, as roads leading out of the city were reportedly blocked by militia as conflict between Israel and Syria escalates.
In a statement from Graham’s office, Graham thanks The Grey Bull Rescue Foundation for making the rescue.
Sen. Graham’s office released the following statement:
“I just received the great news that Desiree, an assistant principal at Lyman Elementary, her husband and their daughter have been safely extracted from Syria. My office had been deeply involved and closely monitoring this operation.
“The family was on a visit to their relatives in Syria and were caught in the chaos and fighting.
“I want to profusely thank The Grey Bull Rescue Foundation for this daring rescue effort, risking their lives to bring this family to safety. At an appropriate time, I intend to do more to recognize the Foundation’s selfless mission to bring hope and safety to Americans in harm’s way.
“I urge all Americans to pay close attention to all State Department travel advisories before making any trips – even if it is family related.
“Again, I am so grateful to all those who assisted in this endeavor to bring this family safely back home to South Carolina.”
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.