The family of Austin Tice, a freelance journalist held in Syria since 2012, said they have new confirmation that he remains alive and well.

In a news conference, the family also expressed deep frustration with the Biden administration for telling them in a meeting Friday that it is waiting to see how the rapidly unfolding events in Syria resolve before being able to do more to try to free Tice.

“He is being cared for, and he is well,” said Austin’s mother Debra Tice at a news conference at the National Press Club, citing what she called a “significant source that has already been vetted all over our government.”

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre would not comment on the source referred to by the Tice family.