Justice for Devon Arthurs: He Stopped a Terrorist Plot. Now He Needs a Second Chance

In May 2017, Devon Arthurs was an 18-year-old who had recently converted to Islam after being involved with the Atomwaffen Division, a violent neo-Nazi group. He lived with three other members of the group in a Tampa, Florida apartment. Inside that apartment, authorities later discovered guns, ammunition, bomb-making materials, and a framed picture of Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh.

Devon found out that his roommates, including Atomwaffen founder Brandon Russell, were planning bombings against power plants, synagogues, nuclear facilities, and many civilians. They aimed to build a Fourth Reich.

Devon faced an impossible decision. He shot and killed two of his roommates to prevent the attack. When police arrived, he told them, “I prevented the deaths of a lot of people.” He later led investigators to the bomb-making materials and to Brandon Russell, who received a five-year sentence in federal prison.

Devon pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and got 45 years in prison. For an 18-year-old, that is essentially a life sentence. Meanwhile, the founder of the neo-Nazi group who actually had the explosives received only five years.

In prison, Devon has changed significantly. He has taken part in every rehabilitation program available, shown real remorse, and proven he is no longer the person he was at 18. He wants to share his story to speak out against violence and extremism and to help others escape the hate he once accepted.

The justice system exists to punish but also to help people change. Devon Arthurs stopped a terrorist attack and has spent years showing he can be a good member of society. He deserves a second chance.

Sign this petition to support Devon Arthurs' release and give him the chance to make a positive impact in the world.