Jonathan Darnel is a decorated U.S. Army Captain who deployed twice to Iraq and was prosecuted by the Biden DOJ along with other advocates of the preborn for taking part in a red rose rescue in Washington DC’s “Surgi-Clinic” late-term abortuary in October of 2020.  Darnell was sentenced under the FACE Act to serve approximately 3 years in federal prison.  The following is a touching letter he sent the Personhood Alliance’s general counsel.  He has given permission for us to share his message.  Please keep him in your prayers.

Happy New Year and end of phone (From Jonathan Darnel)

I want to wish everyone on my contacts list a happy new year, and also to give another heads up that after 9:00 PM tomorrow night (the evening of New Year’s Day) I won’t be allowed to make any further phone calls until (hopefully) I am released later in January or early February.  Email should still work, though.

I’ve spent all of 2024 behind bars, which was a new experience for me.  I have learned a number of things.

I’ve learned that there is a Federal entity that can rival the Army in incompetence and disfunction: the Federal Bureau of Prisons.  It needs to be completely overhauled.

I’ve learned to value simple things like shoes, rain, snow, the absence of noise, the freedom to eat meals when you like to eat, and the privilege of seeing the sky overhead.

I’ve learned that most people cannot be relied upon, but a precious few will prove themselves more precious than gold.

I’ve learned that, compared to the cacophonous opening and closing of jailhouse doors, an alarm clock is a very peaceful way to wake up in the morning.

I’ve learned that even in the absence of demands imposed upon me by the world, I would still be perpetually busy because I insist on maximizing the use of every single hour of my life.  

I’ve learned that criminals are not necessarily unintelligent.  They simply do not value other people’s rights.  

I’ve remembered how much I love to read.

I’ve learned how to make saltwater taffy out of coffee creamer.

I’ve learned about 20 Spanish praise songs.

I’ve learned that while most men will not leave this place better than they came in, some really do change, and the change in them is profound.  

I’ve learned that incarceration is boring, frustrating and at times intimidating, but it’s nothing to be afraid of.

Ordinary people can handle this.  If ending abortion requires more of us spend time behind bars, so be it. 

In 2025, I resolve to get out of prison.  

Happy New Year.