Wisconsin native and freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson has been kidnapped, prompting hopes from friends, family, and hostage advocacy groups to bring her home safely.

The American freelance journalist who was kidnapped Tuesday in Iraq was described by friends and colleagues as a determined, gutsy reporter.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and the Foley Foundation wrote jointly to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging him to secure the release of American journalist Shelly Kittleson,