(CNN) -- Merrill Newman -- the 85-year-old American detained by North Korean authorities earlier this fall -- returned Saturday to the United States, arriving at San Francisco International Airport. "It's been a great homecoming," said Newman, who was wearing a blue sport coat and khakis. He thanked the U.S. and Swedish diplomats who had helped secure his release, then told reporters, "I'm tired ... ready to be with my family now. Thank you all for the support we got, very much appreciated." With that, accompanied by his wife, Lee, and son, Jeff, he walked off. Hours earlier, in the airport in Beijing, video showed him smiling as he walked past a cavalcade of reporters. He felt good, he said, and was looking forward to seeing his wife
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NEW: "It's been a great homecoming," Merrill Newman says upon arrival in San Francisco
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Video shows Newman smiling as he walks through Beijing's airport
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The 85-year-old was detained in North Korea in October, issued a public apology
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State news reports Newman was released for "humanitarian" reasons
Newman had traveled in October as a tourist to @placeholder on a 10-day organized private tour of North Korea.
Newman had traveled in October as a tourist to North Korea on a 10-day organized private tour of @placeholder.