Epstein Survivors Warn of Escalating Threats as President Trump Mandates File Release

Survivors of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have issued a public plea for protection, anticipating a surge in death threats as the United States government prepares to release thousands of Department of Justice files related to the case. The warning follows President Donald Trump’s signing of legislation requiring the full disclosure of the documents within 30 days, a move intended to shed light on the financier’s network of associates.

In a joint statement titled “What we’re bracing for,” released on Thursday, a coalition of 18 named survivors and 10 Jane Does detailed the harassment they have already endured. “Many of us have already received death threats and other threats of harm. We are bracing for these to escalate,” the group stated. They formally requested that federal and state law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction over such matters investigate the threats and provide necessary protection.

The legislative development comes after the U.S. Senate unanimously approved the measure, which President Trump signed into law on Wednesday. The upcoming release is expected to identify high-profile figures in politics, business, and entertainment who were associated with Epstein. The survivors emphasized the need for full transparency, urging Congress to ensure “all materials are released, not selected ones” to prevent enablers from escaping accountability.

Marina Lacerda, who states she was abused by Epstein at his New York mansion beginning at age 14, told The Associated Press that she hopes the documents will provide clarity on her traumatic past. Lacerda noted that she struggles to recall specific details due to the severity of the trauma. “I feel that the government and the FBI knows more than I do, and that scares me, because it’s my life, it’s my past,” Lacerda said.

The urgency of the survivors’ plea is underscored by reports regarding prominent accuser Virginia Giuffre. According to the source text, Giuffre, who had accused Epstein and Prince Andrew of sexual abuse, died by suicide in April following what sources described as a campaign of intimidation. Epstein himself was found dead in his New York City jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

Investigative Implications and Safety Concerns

The impending release of the Department of Justice files represents a significant juncture in the long-running investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s enterprise. While the disclosure aligns with public demands for transparency, the survivors’ statement highlights the volatility involving witness safety and the risk of retaliation. Law enforcement agencies face increased pressure to monitor threats against these individuals as new names and details enter the public domain. It is important to note that while the files may implicate various individuals, all persons named in legal documents or accusations are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.