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For Immediate Release
March 5, 2024
Contact: massie.press@mail.house.gov
Contact #: 202-225-3465

Washington, D.C.- Representative Thomas Massie announces that Mr. Gabriel Shipton, brother of imprisoned journalist Julian Assange, will be attending the State of the Union Address as his guest. Mr. Shipton is a prominent advocate for Mr. Assange's release.

"The U.S. government’s ongoing effort to prosecute Julian Assange threatens the First Amendment rights of Americans and should be opposed," said Rep. Thomas Massie. "During his term in office, I asked President Trump to pardon Mr. Assange, and I was disappointed by his failure to do so. President Biden should drop the criminal charges currently being pursued by the Department of Justice. I am pleased Mr. Shipton has accepted my invitation to join me at the State of the Union."

"I am honored to be Representative Massie's guest at the State of the Union address," said Mr. Gabriel Shipton. "The prosecution of Julian Assange is a direct attack on the 1st amendment and the freedom of the press to publish information in the public interest. Rep. Massie is a fierce defender of these rights having introduced legislation that would protect my brother Julian and put an end to the espionage act being weaponised against publishers. I hope President Biden, can take a new look at the indictment and see it for the threat to democracy that it is."

Mr. Shipton's appearance at the State of the Union will bring additional attention to a bipartisan letter Rep. Massie and Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) previously sent to President Biden on Mr. Assange's behalf. The letter asks President Biden to "halt all prosecutorial proceedings" against Julian Assange "as soon as possible." The letter may be read in its entirety at this link. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) is among the signatories. 

The State of the Union Address is scheduled to be delivered by President Joe Biden on Thursday, March 7 at 9:00 PM. 

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