Epstein Accusers Rally on Capitol Hill, Demand Full Release of Investigation Files
WASHINGTON – Survivors of alleged abuse by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell intensified pressure on Congress Wednesday, rallying on capitol Hill to demand the full release of all files related to the Epstein investigation and a commitment to transparency without political interference. The presentation comes as a discharge petition gains traction in the House, aiming to force a vote on compelling the Justice Department to release the remaining documents, and as the White House actively works to counter the effort.
The push for complete transparency centers on a recent Justice Department release of over 33,000 pages of records, though many files had already been made public through court filings and other releases. Accusers argue this is insufficient and seek access to all remaining materials.
“The justice system was not designed to serve the powerful, it was meant to protect the people – and it’s time it started doing just that,” said Sky Roberts, speaking on behalf of his sister, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, a prominent Epstein accuser who died by suicide in april.
Theresa Helm, who alleges she was sexually abused by Epstein in 2002 after being groomed by Maxwell, directly addressed Maxwell, stating, “Ghislaine Maxwell, you are the system, and now you are part of another system, one that you’ve earned through your very own choices and actions – a prison system where you deserve to live in your 20-year sentence.”
Demonstrators held signs reading “Trust the victims, not the felon,” referencing Maxwell, and “Stand Up for Survivors.” They are also seeking a promise from former President Trump not to pardon Maxwell. Trump previously stated he hadn’t considered a pardon but defended his right to grant one.
The situation has sparked internal Republican conflict. A discharge petition, requiring 218 signatures to force a vote, is gaining momentum. The House passed a measure Wednesday directing the Oversight Committee to continue its Epstein investigation, presented by leadership as an alternative to the petition.
The White house has characterized voting for the discharge petition as a “opposed act” toward the Trump administration, with one official stating it would be viewed as such while the DOJ is “fully supporting a more comprehensive file release effort from the Oversight Committee.”
Some Republicans, like Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, are hesitant to sign the petition, viewing it as politically motivated. “What I don’t like about it is, it’s just a ‘hate Trump’ bill. The discharge petition is nothing more than a ‘hate Trump’ bill,” Norman told NBC News, adding he would support the petition if it reached 218 signatures. He indicated a White House official had contacted him to gauge his vote.
Background: Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier, was arrested in July 2019 on sex trafficking charges involving underage girls.He died by suicide in jail while awaiting trial. Ghislaine maxwell, his longtime associate, was convicted in December 2021 on multiple counts related to sex trafficking and conspiracy. The case has drawn intense scrutiny due to Epstein’s connections to powerful figures and allegations of a widespread sex trafficking ring.The ongoing demand for full transparency aims to uncover the extent of the network and ensure accountability for all involved.
