US figures respond to reported death of Russian Alexei Navalny

Russian figure Alexei Navalny's has died, Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service has claimed, according to reports.

The reports note that Navalny was just 47 years old.

During remarks on Friday, President Joe Biden called Navalny "brave" and said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is responsible for the man's death.

Biden also continued calling for the U.S. to provide additional aid to assist Ukraine as that country defends itself against Russia.

Former President Barack Obama declared in a social media post that "Aleksey Navalny was a fearless advocate for his beliefs who died unbroken by the tyranny he opposed. He fought corruption, inspired millions and never wavered in his insistence on free expression, the rule of law, and a Russia that is accountable to the people and not a dictator. He died in unyielding defense of his vision of a better future for his country - a vision, and a courageous example, that will never die."

Republican Reps. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, Andy Biggs of Arizona, Andrew Clyde of Georgia, Eli Crane of Arizona, Scott DesJarlais of Tennessee, Byron Donalds of Florida, Russ Fulcher of Idaho, Andy Harris of Maryland, Troy Nehls of Texas, Ralph Norman of South Carolina, Andy Ogles of Tennessee, and Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin issued a joint statement.

"If true, Alexei Navalny’s death is grievous and yet another sobering reminder of the dangers and oppression of totalitarian leaders and governments that will silence opposing thoughts and bar free speech at any cost. No matter where they occur, these atrocities must be resoundingly and unequivocally condemned. Mr. Navalny's death is a conspicuous and significant blow to the worldwide pro-freedom and anti-tyranny fight," the statement reads.

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