Thread by @MalwareJake

If you haven't met @tarah and @deviantollam, you should. They are legitimately good human beings. Some of you know this, but for the rest of you:

@MalwareTechBlog was arrested leaving @defcon. Many of us had been in Vegas for a LONG time (or as in my case, already gone). 1/

While many debated "innocent or guilty" in the Twitter echo chamber, they organized a defense fund. Tarah flew to the arraignment. They worked with @marciahofmann and @brianeklein to establish solid representation (THE reason he's not serving prison time today). 2/

Later, they flew to LA and helped Marcus get set up in an apartment. They live in Seattle. This wasn't a "let's drive across town to help a kid out" kind of move. We're talking about significant travel (and expense) for two people who are perpetually on the road already. 3/

This wasn't one time support either. It continued through the two years of the case. While I'm honored to call @tarah and @deviantollam friends, I honestly have no insight into the thought process behind the "drop everything, this matters, we're doing this" decision. 4/

What I *WILL* say is that their actions cut to the core of what community means. Lots of people talk about it. They LIVE it.

Seeing their actions gave me pause. It's easier to act when you have means to do so. Many have means, few act. What was *I* doing to support community? 5/

I've pondered a lot my own actions (and inactions) a lot since watching that unfold. I'm better for it and so is the community (I hope).

There are a LOT of people in our industry with the means to drop work and volunteer their time and money to help. But THEY actually did. 6/

I'll close with this before I get seriously emotional (and this is absolutely not an overstatement): I really think @tarah and @deviantollam saved a life with their actions. I hardly remember being 25. I know I wasn't charged with a crime and detained in a foreign land. 7/

I can't imagine what Marcus was thinking (at the beginning or over the two years). I AM certain that having two people who are seriously dedicated to his wellbeing goes a long way towards keeping someone healthy. From me to you (on behalf of the community): THANK YOU. 8/

Some final points:
1. I mean no disrespect to Marcus by saying they saved a life. Call it "changed a life." I'm not implying anything about him or his mental state. My only point here is that having people who support you without judgment makes a HUGE difference in outcomes. 9/

2. I know for a fact they're not judgmental. @tarah called me very early in this evolution. I remember her saying something to the effect of "I don't know if he's innocent or guilty, but that doesn't really matter, does it?" Of course it doesn't. 10/

We're all entitled to a defense. But more importantly, we're all entitled to be treated like humans. With dignity. They went above and beyond.

Thank you for all you do for the community. You two don't get nearly the recognition you deserve. Much love, mad respect. /FIN