On the 5th March 2024, US Congressman Thomas Massie issued a press release advising he has invited Gabriel Shipton to attend the US President, Joe Biden’s, State of of the Union Address on the March 7th.
The press release reads:
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.
Original posting on US Congress Web Site
Read other international news coverage:
Fox News Rep. Massie bringing Julian Assange’s brother as guest to State of the Union
Louisville Courier Journal Rep. Thomas Massie bringing brother of WikiLeaks founder Assange to State of the Union
Antiwar.com Rep. Massie to Bring Julian Assange’s Brother to Biden’s State of the Union