Chelsea Manning released from prison

Former soldier Chelsea Manning has been released from prison after serving seven years for leaking thousands of classified documents.

The BBC reported early Wednesday morning that Manning had left Fort Leavenworth military prison in Kansas, citing a U.S. Army spokesman.

Former President Barack Obama commuted Manning’s 35-year prison sentence just days before he left office.

{mosads}She was convicted in 2013 for leaking hundreds of thousands of classified documents related to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, which were later released by WikiLeaks. Manning was initially set for released in 2045, the longest sentence ever imposed for a leak conviction.

Manning previously said she plans to return to her home in Maryland after her release.

Decision: I plan on moving back to Maryland this summer. (Takoma Park? Bethesda?) Can’t wait to go home =D

— Chelsea Manning (@xychelsea) January 24, 2017

In her last tweet before her release, Manning said she had “two more days until freedom of civil life. … Now hunting for private #healthcare like millions of Americans.”

Two more days until the freedom of civilian life ^_^ Now hunting for private #healthcare like millions of Americans =P

— Chelsea Manning (@xychelsea) May 15, 2017

{mosads}Manning will remain an active-duty soldier as an Army private following her release while her court-martial conviction is under appeal.

She will continue to be eligible for healthcare benefits. Manning, a transgender soldier, changed her name and received hormone treatment while in prison.

“Pvt. Manning is statutorily entitled to medical care while on excess leave in an active duty status, pending final appellate review,” a U.S. Army spokesman told USA Today earlier this week.

“I appreciate the wonderful support that I have received from so many people across the world over these past years,” Manning said in a statement to ABC News before her release.

“As I rebuild my life, I remind myself not to relive the past. The past will always affect me and I will keep that in mind while remembering that how it played out is only my starting point—not my final destination.”