The dawn raid shattered MJ’s life, a brutal awakening to a new reality. It began with a 37-second presence inside the U.S. Capitol by her son, Daniel – a moment that would irrevocably alter their family’s destiny.
Daniel hadn’t engaged in violence, caused damage, or defied authorities. He walked among hundreds of others, officers present, and promptly exited when asked. Yet, days later, the FBI descended upon their home, transforming it into a scene of controlled chaos.
“They handcuffed everyone but me,” MJ remembers, her voice still laced with disbelief. “They wouldn’t even present the warrant.” This aggressive action occurred just days before Daniel had voluntarily agreed to meet with investigators, a chilling preemption of due process.
Agents seized Daniel’s phone and work computer, holding them for years before returning them in 2024 – rendered obsolete by the passage of time, forcing the family to bear the cost of replacement. The disruption extended far beyond mere inconvenience.
The experience dredged up haunting memories for MJ, echoes of stories her parents shared about life under Nazi occupation. “The agents weren’t overtly violent,” she explained, “but they operated with a chilling, unquestioning obedience.” It felt, she said, like a fundamental shift in the America she had known since immigrating in 1981.
Daniel spent 21 days incarcerated, a trauma that ignited MJ’s fierce advocacy. She channeled her anguish into action, contributing to “The American Gulag Chronicles,” a powerful collection of letters from incarcerated individuals, personally delivered to every congressional office by Susan Monk.
Even under house arrest, Daniel dedicated himself to documenting the events surrounding January 6, collaborating with @StopHate to compile crucial information. His efforts extended to supporting several documentaries, seeking to illuminate the complexities of the situation.
For four years, MJ has tirelessly sought engagement from lawmakers, often met with silence or indifference. She observes a stark irony: “Now, some Republicans express outrage over surveillance, yet where was that outrage when 1,600 Americans were arrested for protesting? Their lives have been irrevocably damaged.”
The consequences extend beyond legal records. Even with potential pardons, the mere mention of “January 6” on background checks continues to derail employment opportunities, creating a lasting barrier to rebuilding lives. Interviews are passed, only to be rescinded upon discovery of the charges.
These individuals, MJ emphasizes, were ordinary Americans exercising their constitutional right to seek redress – to have their voices heard regarding concerns about the 2020 election. They believed they were acting within their rights, and now face enduring punishment.
Driven by a deep sense of injustice, MJ and Daniel personally delivered letters from fellow January 6 defendants to President Trump at Mar-a-Lago in December 2024, a testament to their unwavering commitment.
Now, MJ focuses on securing pardons for those still awaiting relief, a battle that feels unending. For her, this isn’t simply a political fight; it’s a quest to restore faith in justice and truth.
“I still believe God will bring justice,” she says with quiet conviction. “Even when our nation has strayed, I pray for His mercy and grace.” She finds solace in the enduring message of II Chronicles 7:14, a call for humility, prayer, and repentance.
