In a surprising turn of events at the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas, two survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse claim they were treated like criminals merely for asking questions about the Epstein files.

Charleen Richard and Marijke Chartouni attended the convention alongside independent journalist Tara Palmeri, only to find themselves escorted out by security less than an hour after entering.

“We were there for about 45 minutes before we were escorted out,” said Chartouni in a recording posted on social media. “We were separated from each other during the removal.”

Richard emphasized that their actions were innocuous—they entered the venue with valid guest passes and carried clear bags, with no signs or provocative symbols.

“We wanted to fit in,” Richard explained, “because the issue of sex trafficking is a nonpartisan concern.”

Their entry unfolded around 2:05 PM, when the group moved towards the stage after engaging with Robert Burke, a Republican congressional candidate.

Palmeri, who has been documenting Epstein’s story for her newsletter The Red Letter, recounted how their questioning about the Epstein files quickly turned sour.

Security approached the group shortly after they began interacting with Burke, inquiring whether they had signs. Palmeri pointed out their clear bags and her press credential, to no avail.

Despite their compliance, security personnel revoked Palmeri’s media credential, stating they would involve police if the survivors attempted to return.

“We obviously hit the third rail,” Palmeri noted. “Epstein at an event for President Trump, and this is how we were treated.”

The survivors were not there to disrupt the event. Their appearance coincided with a campaign advocating for the prosecution of Epstein’s enablers and the full release of previously withheld government files on the case.

This initiative served as counter-programming to Trump’s keynote presence at the convention, raising questions about his long history of ties to Epstein.

Richard expressed her disbelief over the treatment they received. “It’s not fair that we were asked to leave for no apparent reason,” she said. “Simply because we’re Epstein survivors.”

Both women detailed their ordeal during a video message, noting the discomfort of being viewed as transgressors at a political event.

“They treated us like we were criminals,” said Chartouni in the recording, echoing Richard’s sentiments about the unjust treatment they faced.

As advocates for survivors of trafficking, their engagement at a major political event underscored the urgent need for dialogue around such issues.

The incident has sparked outrage on social media, including a wave of support from abuse survivors and activists who feel marginalized by political narratives.

Richard and Chartouni’s experience illustrates a broader conflict in how society addresses past abuses, especially when intertwined with powerful figures like Epstein.

The implications of this incident may resonate beyond the convention, raising awareness about the challenges survivors face in public discourse.

As the political landscape shifts, the need for accountability and transparency in cases of sexual abuse endures, highlighting the importance of survivor stories in shaping future narratives.