Victims of Jeffrey Epstein spoke emotionally outside the US Capitol on Wednesday, detailing their abuse and urging Congress to release all investigation files, as lawmakers push for transparency amid political resistance.
On September 3, 2025, a group of nine women who accuse Jeffrey Epstein of sexual abuse held a news conference on the steps of the US Capitol. Organized by Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna, the event featured heartfelt accounts from survivors like Marina Lacerda, who spoke publicly for the first time about being exploited as a teenager. Lacerda, identified as “Minor Victim 1” in Epstein’s indictment, described how at age 14, she was lured into Epstein’s world with the promise of money for massages, which quickly turned into a nightmare of abuse.
Similarly, Annie Farmer shared her experience of being assaulted in New Mexico at age 16, questioning why reports weren’t properly investigated decades ago. Farmer, now 46, emphasized that many were aware of Epstein’s actions but chose to ignore them for personal gain, leaving victims feeling isolated. Other accusers, such as Lisa Phillips and Haley Robson, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the systemic failures that allowed the abuse to continue.
The accusers called for the Justice Department to release all documents from the Epstein investigation, arguing that full transparency is crucial for justice. They announced plans to confidentially compile a list of Epstein’s associates involved in the abuse, as they feel unprotected by the current system and fear repercussions like lawsuits or attacks. This initiative aims to hold accountable those who participated in or enabled the trafficking.
This push aligns with a discharge petition effort by Massie and Khanna, who need 218 signatures to force a House vote compelling the DOJ to release the files. As of Wednesday, they had 134 signatories, mostly Democrats, with a few Republicans like Marjorie Taylor Greene supporting it. The lawmakers expressed confidence in reaching the threshold, but face opposition from party leaders.
However, the Trump administration and GOP leaders oppose full release, citing concerns about exposing innocent people’s identities. President Trump dismissed the calls as a “Democrat hoax,” while the White House framed support for the petition as a hostile act. Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the effort, noting that the House Oversight Committee is already investigating the matter.
Recently, the committee released 33,000 pages of documents, but Democrats noted that 97% were already public, offering little new information. This has fueled accusations that the government is withholding key details to protect powerful individuals. The event included references to Epstein’s connections, such as his friendship with Trump, though accusers clarified they never witnessed inappropriate behavior from him.
The news conference underscores ongoing tensions between victim advocacy and political maneuvering. With the discharge petition pending and survivors vowing to pursue justice themselves, the issue remains a focal point in the fight against sexual abuse and corruption. Next steps depend on congressional action and whether more Republicans join the push for transparency.