American imprisoned in N. Korea returns to Boston after Jimmy Carter helps win release

China's Xinhua news agency

Former President Jimmy Carter, center left, hugs with American Aijalon Gomes at Pyongyang airport, North Korea, Friday, before the pair departed for the United States.

BOSTON - An American held captive for seven months in North Korea stepped off a plane in his hometown Friday, looking thin but joyful as he hugged the former president who had helped win his release and family and friends surrounded him in a group embrace.