The father of Kayla Mueller, the American woman killed after spending months in captivity under Islamic State militants, says the U.S. government "put policy in front of" American lives.
Carl Mueller made the remarks to NBC's "Today" show in an interview that will air Monday.
Mueller says the family understands that U.S. policy dictates not paying ransom to terrorists.
But he says parents understand "that you would want anything and everything done to bring your child home."
Her parents and brother spoke with "Today" host Savannah Guthrie.
Mueller's death was confirmed earlier this month. The Islamic State group claimed she died in a Jordanian airstrike, but U.S. officials have not confirmed that.
The 26-year-old international aid worker, who grew up in Prescott, Arizona, was taken in Syria in August 2013.
© Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.