Sentenced to die in prison. Pardoned by President Trump after spending 4,130 days (11+ years) in max security. Freedom is sweet!
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Ten years ago to the day, I was sentenced to die in prison. Instead I gave my first public speech in freedom.
I wore a red tie as an homage to @realDonaldTrump, the man who saved my life.
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I got to see the ocean for the first time in over 11 years because @realDonaldTrump released me from prison.
On this President's Day, I would like to acknowledge a truly great American President, one who cares about freedom and second chances. Here's to you President Trump.
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Oops...the first thing I try to do on X and I screw it up! I accidentally deleted my last post about taking over the account:
6.5 years ago my wife created this X account to give me my voice back. All this time, she relayed my messages to you word for word. Starting now, MY fingertips are on the keyboard!
Here we are, one week after my release, our prayers finally answered.
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Last night, Donald Trump pledged to commute my sentence on day 1, if reelected. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
After 11 years in prison, it is hard to express how I feel at this moment. It is thanks to your undying support that I may get a second chance.
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Hey @KamalaHarris,
You called me "the fentanyl dealer" in your new book and attacked President Trump for freeing me after more than *ELEVEN* years in prison.
Yet, I wasn't prosecuted for dealing drugs myself and fentanyl wasn't part of my charges.
The truth has never mattered to you. The goal is just to make me and President Trump look bad at all cost, isn't it?
Don't be a sore loser, Kamala.
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Like all of you, I am mourning Charlie Kirk. He stood up for his beliefs and died for them at 31, wearing a T‑shirt that read "Freedom."
At 31, my life was taken from me for standing up for what I believed in. And Charlie helped me get it back. He never took credit for it but he played a BIG role in my freedom in many ways. Last year alone, when President Trump won the election, he asked Charlie what was the #1 thing he could do for him and Charlie replied: "Free Ross." And in the days leading to my release, Charlie advocated for a full pardon. He did this and more without expectations of me.
I wish there was something I could do to help Charlie get his life back. But there isn't, and I'm heartbroken.
Charlie, I will always be grateful to you. Thank you for all you did for me and for our country. I pray for you and your beautiful family. Rest in peace.
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Two weeks ago today, I took my first steps outside prison walls in over a decade.
I was able to liberate Leaf Erikson as well, the little pepper plant that had been clinging to life on the sill of my cell window for the past year or so.
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Immense gratitude to everyone who voted for President Trump on my behalf. I trust him to honor his pledge and give me a second chance.
After 11+ years in darkness, I can finally see the light of freedom at the end of the tunnel. Thank you so much, @realDonaldTrump 🙏
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I want to take a moment to publicly honor my mom and my wife, Lyn and Caroline, for the herculean effort they put into saving me from a life sentence.
They worked side-by-side, day after day, for years. Despite many setbacks and countless challenges, they never gave up. The amount of work it took to get me to where I am today is beyond what most people can probably imagine. My fellow prisoners often told me how fortunate I was to have a dedicated wife and mom like mine.
Many people helped us along the way and we are deeply grateful to all of them. I would still be locked in a cell behind a prison wall were it not for all the support we received. THANK YOU!
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First birthday in freedom today. Beautiful day grilling by the pool. I've been given a new life. It's like being born again.
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Roger Ver was there for me when I was down and needed help. Now Roger needs our support.
No one should spend the rest of their life in prison over taxes. Let him pay the tax (if any) and be done with it. #FreeRoger
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Leaf Erikson, the plant I liberated from prison, is doing well!
We are both regaining our strength after a long time in a tough spot.
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I was just told that @eBay is aware of this, but is choosing to not do anything about it. First time I have felt discriminated against since going free.
Gee, maybe I should start my own ecommerce website. What'll I call it...?
Been trying to auction some personal belongings. @eBay wants to verify my ID. I provided all docs a week ago and still nothing. I've talked to several eBay reps & keep being put off.
Today's the last day to start an auction before I leave town. Do you know someone who can help?
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I’m starting to get used to the reality that I could be home in a couple of months!
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Road trip to the Grand Canyon. This is about as far as I could get from an 8x10 prison cell.
So grateful to everyone who pulled for this to happen. I owe my freedom to the people in the libertarian and crypto communities and many others who stuck by me and made the final push.
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I am not involved or associated with any memecoin bearing my name. There is no official Ross coin.
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There were no stars in prison. The overhead floodlights drowned them out completely. It was like a 5th wall above, cutting me off from the world.
I went far from all the lights last night, laid down on a boulder, and looked up at the stars. No more walls.
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In prison, I had to pay a dollar for a hug.
My wife visited me every week for years, and I would buy photo tickets for us for $1 each. We didn't need the photos. We had plenty. I just bought the tickets for the hugs. This stack is a small fraction of all the photos we took.
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Today is my 3,000th day in prison.
At this point, I am numb to it. I have forgotten what freedom feels like. But when I let myself feel, Iike I am today, I just feel pain…and a deep longing to be part of the world again.
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What was done to Charlie Kirk today is truly awful.
Charlie, you were there for me when I needed you. I stand by you today and pray for your speedy recovery.
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Tomorrow I’ll begin my 10th year in prison.
I don’t know what to say. I screwed up. I ruined my life and caused a lot of pain. When I look back and see my many mistakes, I feel immense regret.
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Today I turn 40.
I pray I’ll get a second chance at freedom before this next decade ends.
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My parents are getting older. They were 64 when I was arrested. Now they’re in their 70s. I wish I could be there for them.
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I've been out of prison for exactly three months now. It's been quite a journey so far and just keeps getting better.
My wife and I just started an Instagram account. We'll be sharing photos and glimpses of our new life on there. If you'd like to follow, it's at the_ulbrichts.
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I just spent my 4,000th day in prison. I'll begin my 12th year in two weeks.
During that time, I’ve tried my best to grow and be a better man.
I want to use the hard lessons I’ve learned to make amends as a free man, if I’m given the chance.
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From a prison cell to the halls of congress. @RepThomasMassie and @WarrenDavidson got us into the State of the Union address last night.
It was an honor to meet these men who supported my campaign for freedom and to applaud @realDonaldTrump, who set me free.
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I turned 38 yesterday, my 9th birthday in prison.
I made a timeline of my life, with my death estimated at 80 years old. Prison has been a major phase of my life so far. I’m not the man I was when I came in. I’ve learned from my mistakes and the harm I’ve caused.
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I was arrested at the age of 29 and today I turn 39. I’ve lost my 30s to prison.
During that time, I’ve done my best to learn from my mistakes, better myself, and help others do the same.
I hope someday I can make amends as a free man as well.
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First Mother's Day in freedom. So good to be with my mom today. She did so much to free me and never gave up on me. I hearby nominate her for mother of the century!
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It's official. I am excited to announce that I will be making my first public appearance and speech since my release from prison at @TheBitcoinConf in Las Vegas!
If you want to come see me in person, use promo code ROSS to get 10% off your ticket: tickets.b.tc/event/bitcoin-2…
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For over a decade, I didn't have water fixtures that I could turn off and on. In prison, everything is on buttons with timers.
After nearly two months in freedom, I still find myself staring at faucets and shower heads, waiting for them to turn off! So weird.
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My grandma died peacefully in her sleep at 96 years old.
It hurts to lose her while I am in prison. I was holding out hope that I would get to hug her one last time.
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Since my release from prison, I've met many people who've thanked me for the role I played in what Bitcoin has become today.
In return I want to thank the community for having my back, both in prison and now. Thank you SO much for all of the love you are showing me!
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Six months ago yesterday, @realDonaldTrump signed my pardon papers. I got to walk free just a few hours later.
Feels like a lifetime of new experiences since then. So much gratitude and joy in my new life!
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I may lose my voice soon. I found out the Bureau of Prisons is thinking of preventing prisoners from having any social media presence (even those who have an account entirely run by a loved one, like mine).
I’m scared I won’t be able to share my life with you anymore.
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There are times when I'm in the middle of doing something and I stop because it just hits me all over again:
DEAR GOD, I'M FREE!!!
That wave of disbelief and joy overcomes me, just like it did when I walked free the first time. I wonder if it'll ever go away?
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For the past year or so, I've been running a civilization-style game for my fellow prisoners.
I’m now handing it off to one of my good friends so he can run it after I’m gone.
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For my last monthly resolution of 2024, I intend to study every day and to get up to speed as much as I can as I prepare for freedom.
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Shock, fear, sadness, but eventually great relief as I watched the man who pledged to free me from prison nearly die.
I am praying for President Trump and the other victims. I hope something like this never happens again.
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One year for each finger on both hands.
Today ends a full decade in prison.
I sometimes fear I'll spend the rest of my life behind concrete walls and locked doors. But I have no one else to blame. It's my poor choices that led me here.
All I can do now is pray for mercy.
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I was long overdue for a haircut, so my friend did me a favor and trimmed my hair. Feels good!
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This is my 11th Independence Day in prison. Wouldn't it be amazing if it was my last?
Happy 4th everyone!
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Thank you @realDonaldTrump for declaring today a federal holiday.
For us in prison, a holiday = a visit day, so for the first time, we got an extra visit today and it felt amazing. I wish more of my fellow prisoners had got a visit.
Merry Christmas everyone 🎄
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This photo was taken abt 4 yrs ago. It’s me with some of my friends who are also nonviolent offenders with life sentences
So far, 3 of them got their miracle & went home. They’re doing well, they’re not a danger to anyone. I pray these other men will get their miracle too & soon
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Here it is. The start of my 12th year in prison today.
I intend to make the most of it and use my time wisely.
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My resolution for the month of November has been to count my blessings before I go to sleep every night.
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I got a new cell mate today.
My last one is closing in on a year of sobriety and doing really well as he preps for release. I’m proud of him. Hopefully I can be a good influence on the new one too.
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Myself and other drug offenders serving life took this picture in 2018.
Since then, three have gone free. I hope and pray my turn will come someday.
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How was I given 2 life sentences plus 40 years?
Am I a cat with 9 lives? I am a human being.
I have but one life, and that alone is too much to take.
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I got out of the cell for 3 hours! I got to call home and see the mountain tops through a window.
It was overstimulating with all the other prisoners running around the cell block, but it felt good to be in a bigger space.
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I put Silk Road on the Tor network about 10 years ago.
I’ve been thinking about what was going through the mind of my 26-year-old self back then in 2011.
So much has changed… If only I could turn back time.
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My big speech at Bitcoin 2025 is just a week away, but I am feeling suprisingly serene about it.
I'm just looking forward to connecting with so many of you at once. It feels like I am coming home.
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Today is my 2,500th day in prison.
If you believe I deserve to be freed and returned home, I ask that you please share my petition once more with your friends and family. I feel the love every time someone signs.
change.org/p/clemency-for-ro…
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Lately I've been running outside for over half an hour. It helps me blow off steam and I sleep better at night.
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This year for Christmas, we were given some milk and cookies.
It's not as good as being home with family but it did help make things a little more cheerful in here.
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Been trying to auction some personal belongings. @eBay wants to verify my ID. I provided all docs a week ago and still nothing. I've talked to several eBay reps & keep being put off.
Today's the last day to start an auction before I leave town. Do you know someone who can help?
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I love dogs. I’ve missed them during the last 11 years in prison. But a few days ago, I got to play with three adorable pooches. They were brought in by volunteers to help lift prisoners’ spirits.
For an hour, their light-heartedness filled me with joy.
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The lockdown is finally over. I got outside, and the sunshine and fresh air felt so good.
It's always a challenge to be locked in a small cell for weeks on end.
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Thanks everyone for all the support on my 40th birthday.
It means a lot and lifts my spirits.
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Today I realized I haven’t felt grass between my toes or smelled a flower in over a decade!
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I am now a suicide watch companion.
I sit for hours on end with prisoners who have become suicidal. I am there to ensure they don’t hurt themselves and to show them someone cares.
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There’s no such thing as a life sentence.
It’s just a death sentence that takes a while.
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I got out of the cell yesterday long enough to take a shower, call home and say "hi" to a few friends in here.
It felt really good to be out from between those 8x10ft walls and locked door and make contact with the free world.
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We are feeling the bite of inflation here in prison too.
Peanuts cost 90% more, and a dollar gets you two ramen packs instead of five.
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“Outlive” by Dr. Attia has inspired me to be as healthy as possible so I can live a long life and make up for the years I’ve lost.
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Holiday weekends hit different after 11 years in prison. They used to mean an extra visit day.
Now I get to spend Labor Day at home. I'm thinking of my friends and their families who are still in that visitation room. I feel so lucky I made it out.
Happy Labor Day, everyone!
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I cast a pebble into a deep pond, and it sank to the bottom, held down in the darkness. But, the ripples it sent out spread far and wide, becoming stronger, growing into a mighty wave that drew the pebble from the darkness and eventually carried it to a warm place in the sun.
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I’ve left AZ, the state where I was in prison. It's time to travel. That means downsizing & turning the page.
I've decided to auction some personal items from before my arrest & during my time in prison. I don't need the reminders & I'm sure some of you will love to have them.
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I've done 4 public appearances since May to thank all of you who supported me at my lowest.
For now I'm taking a break from public speeches. I'm soaking in this new life. It still feels surreal to be free.
I'm excited for all the opportunities ahead!
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A friend of mine, someone I have been with at multiple prisons, is getting compassionate release after doing 21 years of a life sentence.
Miracles do happen.
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Prison is a long, hard road.
There is no way I can thank enough those who have stuck by me: my mom, dad and sister, my angel ♥️, and a crew of solid friends and family. A journey like this lets you know who is real.
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Today, I was trained to be a suicide watch companion.
It will be my job to sit with prisoners who have become suicidal. I hear it's a difficult job, but hopefully I can help some people.
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I’ve been growing my hair ever since I learned my sentence wouldn’t be commuted back in 2020.
Now the guards and prisoners call me Crypto Jesus 😁
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Oh my! I never thought I'd see my face in Times Square!
A huge thanks to a very generous supporter for making this possible. Now our message is being heard in the heart of NYC!
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I don't know what to say. I'm so moved by what is going right now with the NFT auction. I feel...acceptance, love, validation, many things. You humble me.
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Every moment of every hour of the last 3,500 days, I’ve been in prison.
After all this time, my memories of freedom are no more than wisps of dreams, fading in the harsh light of what my life has become. Were I to be given a second chance someday, I’d be reborn.
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If I stand on a chair on my tiptoes, I can see the top of a tree over the prison wall from my 2nd story cell.
I love that tree 😃
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Happy Sunday 🌞
Sundays used to mean prison visitation day, a good day. Thinking of my friends still behind bars and their families who made the trip to see them. Stay strong fellas.
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I moved to a new cellblock last week.
It's been a rough landing but I think it'll be ok once I get to know everyone.
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I’ve been overcome with sadness today... No reason in particular. Sometimes prison life just wears me all the way down.
Best not to fight it, for it shall pass.
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Hi, this is Ross! I’m hoping to find my voice here after all these years of silence. It has been a strange journey, but I’m so grateful for all those who’ve shown love and support and held me up through the hard times. You give me strength. freeross.org/twitter-note.jp…
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I’ve been meditating daily with a small group of other spiritually-minded prisoners. With a shift in mindset, a prison can become a monastery.
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After 3 years, I can finally go outside in the early morning again.
The individual birds are surely different but the same flock of starlings still comes around at that same time.
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One of my friends is going home after 10 years in prison. When I met him he was on a destructive path but he’s turned his life around and has a plan for success in the free world.
I’m very happy for him.
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I am floored. The auction exceeded all expectations.
I feel like I have a new purpose now. Lots of joyful work lies ahead.
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I’m getting back into studying math again.
I don’t know why I like it so much, maybe because it takes me out of prison and into a world of numbers and equations where everything makes sense.
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My NFT auction will start in 2 days! 😃
rossulbricht.medium.com/my-n…
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I was allowed outside for 3 full hours today. The sky, the breeze, the sun on my skin…it was euphoric.
After all those months confined to a cell, I felt a little exposed and overstimulated just being out there, but it soon passed.
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Because of the flood lights, I can’t see the stars from the prison rec yard.
It’s been over 10 years since I’ve seen the night sky. This is one of the simple things I miss the most.
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In a speech I just gave at @TheFreedomFest, I reveal the conditions I went through in federal prison. You need to know what's being done in your name behind locked doors.
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We are auctioning off some of my art as an #NFT.
The proceeds will go toward charities that help prisoners and their families, and toward helping me regain my freedom.
One project we envision is to help kids travel to visit their moms and dads in prison.
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