NORTH CAROLINA -- The North Carolina pastor released after being held captive in Turkey for 2 years met with President Donald Trump at the White House Saturday.

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Andrew Brunson left a courthouse in Turkey Friday a free man. A picture was taken of him kissing the American flag after landing in Germany.

Brunson, of Black Mountain, had rejected espionage and terror-related charges and strongly maintained his innocence.

He has lived in Turkey for more than 23 years with his wife and 3 kids where he worked as a pastor.

He met with Pres. Trump after landing at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. Brunson prayed with the president when they met in the Oval Office, and Trump thanked him for his faith and strength.

Sen. Thom Tillis was also in attendance Saturday. Brunson says Tillis visited him while he was a prisoner.