Minnesota's Bruce Laingen reflects on Iran hostage crisis

Bruce Laingen receives the U.S. flag
Bruce Laingen receives a U.S. flag from President Ronald Reagan at his homecoming ceremony in 1981. Laingen, a Minnesota native, was held prisoner during the Iran hostage crisis from Nov. 4, 1979 to Jan. 20, 1981.
Photo courtesy of Bruce Laingen

On Nov. 4, 1979, U.S. Embassy charge d'affaires L. Bruce Laingen and 51 others were taken hostage in Tehran during the Iranian revolution, and held captive for 444 days. Now 87 and living in Virginia, Bruce Laingen joins Midday to discuss the situation then and now.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.