Washington, D.C. — Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse, joined by bipartisan lawmakers, gathered outside the U.S. Capitol this week in a powerful push to release long-sealed files tied to Epstein’s trafficking network. With raw testimony, emotional appeals, and political maneuvering, the rally marked one of the most public and forceful efforts yet to demand accountability.
A Rare Bipartisan Front
Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) led the charge with a discharge petition — a rare procedural tool that could force a House vote on releasing Epstein-related records if 218 lawmakers sign. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) also pledged support, making her one of just three Republicans so far willing to break ranks.
Massie dismissed GOP leadership’s rival “Epstein resolution” as a “placebo,” saying only his petition would carry the force of law. Greene vowed to go further, promising to read aloud “every damn name” survivors provide her if Congress stalls.
Survivor Voices: ‘No More Sweeping This Under the Rug’
For survivors, the rally was both political action and personal catharsis.
- Marina Lacerda, identified as “Minor Victim #1” in court filings, spoke publicly for the first time, describing how Epstein recruited her as a young immigrant from South America. “I will never forget when FBI agents showed up at my house,” she said.
- Courtney Wild, introduced to Epstein at 14, questioned why he was protected for so long: “This is not a blue thing or a red thing… Why was Jeffrey Epstein so protected? Who is still being protected? And who protected them all?”
- Anouska De Georgiou revealed she’s been threatened, harassed, and followed for speaking out. She described Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell making clear there would be “consequences” if she told her story. Directly appealing to Donald Trump, she urged him to use his influence to support transparency: “The only motive for opposing this bill would be to conceal the truth.”
- The family of Virginia Giuffre, a leading Epstein accuser who later took her own life, delivered a searing message to lawmakers blocking the petition: “Look these survivors in the eye and tell them why. Then go home, look in the mirror, and ask yourself why.
Epstein survivors speak out in exclusive interview
Mounting Pressure
The rally drew what veteran reporter Joe Khalil described as the largest crowd of press, supporters, and demonstrators he’d ever seen at the House Triangle. Survivors pledged to compile and release their own “client list” if Congress fails to act.
Some also warned that pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell — Epstein’s convicted accomplice — would “make a mockery” of victims’ suffering.
What Comes Next
The discharge petition now becomes a numbers game: it needs 218 signatures to force a House vote. With only a handful of Republicans backing it so far, the pressure falls on both parties to step up.
For survivors, the rally was more than politics. As one woman put it: “This is therapy for all of us too. My voice will bring out other survivors. Pass the vote. Listen to us.”