John Kerry, Jason Rezaian Headline Opening of New Washington Post HQ

Secretary of State John Kerry praised Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, imprisoned by Iran for 545 days, as the two headlined the opening of the new Washington Post offices at 1301 K St. NW Jan. 28.

America’s top diplomat Kerry negotiated Rezaian’s release a week ago and gave a stirring defense of liberty and freedom of the press at the opening. Each speaker honored Rezaian, who was the surprise guest of honor.

Washington Post publisher Fred Ryan emceed the grand opening event on the fourth floor studio of the 139-year-old newspaper and now digital news and video platform.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe also spoke at the opening.

Owner Jeff Bezos—”beta tester #1—cut the red ribbon digitally on a video of the K Street office facade and mentioned the Washington Post’s “badassness” and said that it should maintain a combination of swashbuckling and professionalism.