Rep. Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, has announced that ten survivors of Jeffrey Epstein will step forward at a bipartisan press conference scheduled for September 3 at the U.S. Capitol.
The event is being organized by Khanna and Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, who are leading efforts in Congress to compel the Justice Department to release long-withheld documents tied to Epstein.
Khanna described the upcoming gathering as “explosive” during a Sunday appearance on NBC. He said several of the survivors set to speak have never told their stories publicly until now.
The lawmakers are preparing a petition to force disclosure of case files. Khanna said the petition would go live on September 2 and has already gained strong support among House Democrats.
On meet the press, @RepRoKhanna says he and Massie have 10 Epstein victims for a news conference on the hill. Their discharge opens soon. pic.twitter.com/Lroxjdlamj
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) August 31, 2025
“All 212 Democrats are committed to signing,” Khanna explained. “Representative Massie has twelve Republicans on board, and only six of them are needed to push this through successfully.”
The bipartisan partnership between Khanna and Massie underscores the depth of public pressure around Epstein’s case, which has generated intense speculation since his death in a New York jail cell in 2019.
“What will be explosive is the September 3 press conference,” Khanna added. “These survivors will speak directly to the American people and demand the release of Epstein’s files for real closure.”
For years, Epstein’s crimes and connections to wealthy and powerful figures have fueled questions that remain unanswered. Many of the victims argue that keeping documents sealed only prolongs their trauma.
Legal experts note that the Department of Justice has resisted full disclosure, citing ongoing investigations and privacy concerns. Lawmakers say these reasons are not enough to justify secrecy any longer.
“Transparency is critical here,” Massie has said in earlier remarks. “The public deserves to know what happened, who was involved, and why accountability has been so limited.”
Victims’ advocates argue that official records would confirm how Epstein operated and might expose others who enabled his abuse. Survivors believe this step is essential for healing and public trust.
Epstein was arrested in 2019 on federal charges of sex trafficking minors but died in jail weeks later. His death was ruled a suicide, though doubts about the circumstances persist.
The case has continued to haunt Congress and the courts. Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate, was convicted in 2021 of trafficking-related charges, but many files and names remain undisclosed.
For survivors, the press conference is not just about reopening the case but about taking back control of their voices. Public testimony can be a form of justice when legal systems fall short.
Khanna emphasized that these women and men are not just witnesses but central figures in demanding accountability. “They want closure, and they want their stories heard in full,” he said.
The press conference is expected to draw wide attention from both national media and advocacy groups. Organizers say the goal is to remind officials that silence benefits no one except wrongdoers.
Security preparations are already in place for the Capitol event, with survivors expected to speak individually. Their statements may provide new details that could add pressure on the Justice Department.
Observers note that bipartisan cooperation on sensitive issues has become rare in recent years. That makes this united effort to uncover the truth about Epstein especially striking to many Americans.
Public records show widespread interest in the case. Petitions and campaigns demanding disclosure have gathered thousands of signatures, reflecting a demand for transparency that crosses political divides.
Some lawmakers remain cautious, arguing that piecemeal releases may raise legal concerns. Yet Khanna and Massie insist the benefits of openness far outweigh potential risks to individuals named in files.
The victims’ accounts, set to be delivered on the steps of the Capitol, will likely serve as a turning point. For many, it will be the first time they face cameras directly.
Advocates say their bravery could inspire other survivors to speak out. Each testimony builds a fuller picture of the harm caused and why complete disclosure of files is necessary.
The coming press conference may also shape legislative debates in the weeks ahead. Lawmakers could face greater pressure to support disclosure bills once the survivors’ stories are made public.
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For Khanna and Massie, the strategy is clear. They believe combining survivor voices with bipartisan unity creates momentum that officials will find difficult to ignore or delay.
With less than two days until the event, attention now centers on Washington. Survivors, lawmakers, and the public wait to see whether long-guarded secrets will finally begin to surface.
