Erik Houdini Post-Arrest Statement
State of Florida vs Erik Ebbesen

As many know, on Tuesday Feb 24th, I was arrested in relation to a criminal case, due to allegedly "trolling" (as per the case affidavit) a well known right wing influencer. We ask anyone who is interested in further case details to review the publicly available trail files. I cannot say much of anything, in relation to this situation, which is very serious legally.

I can say that I'm free from jail thanks to the support from everyone involved. I can say that I am incredibly grateful for that support. I can say that continued donations and fundraising is very important, as legal fees will be very costly, potentially in the 10s of thousands of dollars. The lawyer we've spoken with has quoted potentially $20,000, though we are hopeful that we will find legal representation through liberation oriented organizations that can specialize in the political nature of the case.

I will say that, due to Florida law, this case and it's surrounding information is publicly accessible, and I can say that I encourage everyone to read it. I can say I have been able to pick up my dog as of today, that was paid for with donations, and comrades have continued to support me in this trying time. I can say that I lost the job I recently got, which is a major set back towards getting settled in Lakeland. As many know, I've been open about my living conditions and struggles to find reliable work, the struggles to get settled into Lakeland, the struggles to find my weekly motel rent.

Months after this incident, around the beginning of February, someone contacted me online pretending to be a concerned local who read my magazine. They expressed sympathy about my housing situation and asked where I lived and worked, with the potential that they could help me find cheaper housing. I answered honestly, thinking I was talking to a potential supporter. I've since blocked that account, removing them from all associated Discord and other discussion groups. We are not accepting new members of our discord server at this time, nor will we be making further contact with new persons on Discord. I will be reserving direct contact to only my close team, we ask any press or media outlets to refer to the publicly available case details or to contact us at houdinimag@proton.me.

I can say that the local community I have here in Lakeland is the type of community many spend their lives searching for, and I am incredibly grateful to call this city my home. I will continue to update people on my case and situation as it progresses. I will not be taking private messages at this time. I will not be answering questions about the case at this time. Please refer to publicly accessible records in relation to this case as linked below for more information. Thank you.

— Erik Houdini