More than 600,000 people had signed a Change.org petition asking for clemency given that Ulbricht was a first-time, non-violent offender. Bitcoiners had argued he embodied the cryptocurrency's core values.
"This is a victory, and it's your victory too," Ulbricht said. "This is an important moment for everybody, everywhere who loves freedom and who cares about second chances."
Looking exhausted and relieved, he said his release feels "amazing" and "overwhelming"—and that he now plans to spend time with his family "so that we can reunite, be whole again and heal."
Ulbricht added: "But there's a lot to talk about, and I look forward to re-engaging with the free world. Once I'm feeling up to it, we'll talk again."