FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Info@jlundyfor65.com Re: Statement from Jamael Lundy, Candidate for Minnesota State Senate District 65 Saint Paul, Minnesota Statement from Jamael Lundy First, I want to thank my wife for being my rock and standing with me during this incredibly trying time, and my family for their unyielding support. I am deeply grateful to my communities, to Minnesotans across the state, and to people around the country who have spoken out and shown up for me. Your love and solidarity mean everything. Let me be absolutely clear. I will not allow President Trump to arrest me out of this campaign. I will continue my campaign for Minnesota State Senate District 65. After learning of the arrest of several activists, I immediately retained counsel, who contacted the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service to inquire about whether a warrant existed and to make clear that I was prepared to turn myself in should one be issued. For that reason, being awakened in the middle of the night by a militarized force with military-grade weapons drawn was deeply unsettling and wholly unnecessary. As many know, Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, a former supervisor and mentor to me, and her husband were recently assassinated by an individual impersonating law enforcement, making this show of force especially alarming. As someone married to an elected official, Saint Paul City Councilwoman Anika Bowie, the decision to deploy a heavily armed operation at my home in the aftermath of such a tragedy was deeply traumatizing and dangerously reckless for everyone involved. This escalation was entirely unnecessary, as my counsel was already in active communication with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. This was not about public safety or procedure, but a political spectacle intended to instill fear and silence those who seek public office. I refuse to be silenced. The political persecution that I, along with activists and journalists, am facing is not rooted in any legitimate public safety concern. This has nothing to do with churches or immigration enforcement. This is about weaponizing the machinery of government to strip people of their right to resist unlawful, anti constitutional, immoral, and violent policies stemming from this administration’s federal occupation of our state. In short, my arrest and the arrests of others represent an attempt to criminalize dissent under the cover of politics. We must recognize this for what it is. Authoritarian, un-American, and unconstitutional. If I learned anything today, it is that freedom is not free. I grew up with parents who are Army veterans, and I was raised to understand that the liberties I enjoy were earned through real sacrifice. For much of my life, like many Americans, I have been fortunate to inherit those freedoms rather than fight to defend them. But this moment demands more of us. I want to acknowledge the many expressions of concern. I am safe. But it is critical to recognize that the unnecessary intimidation directed at my household is only a fraction of the terror that has been inflicted on our neighbors across the Twin Cities. Minnesotans look out for one another. We protect our neighbors, donate to our neighbors, protest for our neighbors, and yes, we go to jail for our neighbors regardless of documentation status and we are better for it. Immigrants make Minnesota what it is today. Our success as a state stands in direct opposition to those who profit from fear, greed, and division. We represent a better way forward. For those looking for ways to support or fight back, I urge you to love your neighbor harder, uplift those under attack, and make your voice heard by participating fully in our democratic process. Do not give up on our democracy. Do not back down. I believe deeply in Minnesotans’ ability to come together and change what is happening in our state. When I launched this campaign, I said I would be a different type of Democrat, one willing to speak truth to power no matter the cost. For those looking to support me personally, I encourage those who are able to contribute to my legal defense and relief fund, or my campaign, if you are able. We are Minnesota strong and we are stronger together. Thank you Minnesota.