Daniel McGowan is an environmental and social justice activist from New York City. He was charged in federal court on counts of arson, property destruction and conspiracy, all relating to two actions in Oregon in 2001. Until recently, Daniel was offered two choices by the government: cooperate by informing on other people, or go to trial and potentially spend the rest of his life in prison. His only real option was to plead not guilty until he could reach a resolution of the case that permitted him to honor his principles. Now, as a result of months of litigation and negotiation, Daniel was able to admit to his role in these two incidents, while not implicating or identifying any other people who might have been involved (for details, go here).

Daniel grew up in Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York, and is a much loved member of the community. He has worked on projects such as the demonstrations against the Republican National Convention, counter military recruitment efforts, organizing free markets in his neighborhood, and supporting political prisoners such as Jeff "Free" Luers. Daniel was also earning a Master's degree in acupuncture and was working at WomensLaw.org, a nonprofit that helps abused women navigate the legal system, when he was arrested by federal marshals on December 7th, 2005.

Daniel McGowan's arrest had come in the context of a well-coordinated, multi-state sweep of over 15 activists by the federal government who have charged the individuals with practically every earth and animal liberation action in the Pacific Northwest left unsolved. Many have considered this round up indicative of the government's 'Green Scare' focus which has activists being arrested and threatened with life in prison while way more serious crimes go ignored. Many of the charges, including Daniel's, were for crimes whose statute of limitations were about to expire.

We continue to support Daniel completely. He and his family have been through an extremely difficult time and deserve to get through this with the best possible outcome.

Family and Friends of Daniel McGowan will be raising funds to pay his legal defense, setting up public events about the Green Scare and providing financial, logistical, legal and emotional support to Daniel throughout his sentence. He will be earning a Master's degree and will hopefully complete a book about his experience while imprisoned.

We'll be posting a new address as soon as we have one.

While letters are always appreciated, please keep in mind Daniel will not be able to respond to everyone. To send a letter, see guidelines on this page.

On behalf of Daniel, we thank you for your continued support.

Note: Following sentencing, we put up some information regarding the background of the site here.