[ATEMENT OF TERRI WELCH AND HARRY WELCH JR, Its important for us to explain who our son really is and how he was raised. We're from rural North Carolina and our son grew up appreciating the outdoors. We are a family of rescuers and Maddison has been a part of that his entire life, Let me explain whet mean when I say “rescuers.” His father and I have run a no-kill dog vescue on our family land for over 10 years ‘We have also taken in foster children, hosted an international exchange student, and lent financial support to needy children abroad. Maddison was raised around people of diverse ‘nationalities and religions He has always embraced peoples’ differences, | want to give you some examples of how our family has worked for others and how this is a critical part of my son's identity. I worked as 2 nurse for 20 yeas, specializing in emergency ‘using. After our oldest son passed away in a car accident, { wanted to give back to the ‘community that tried to save him. I became a volunteer firefighter, and worked to save lives in Rowan County, North Carolina for ten years. Maddison saw how much of an impact my work ‘made in our community and wanted to become involved himself, He began thinking of ways thet hhe could make a difference and help others. One of the things Maddison decided to do was Participate ina mission trip to Haid. He travelled to Hait after the devastating earthquake 10 [provide medical aid to the victims and build shelter for orphans. Maddison had been medically rained through a fire certification program and knew he could provide medical assistance to people in need. He built sirong relationships with the children he encountered and worked hard o communicate with them in Haitin Creole. This is an example af Maddison's compassion and dedication to help the most vulnerable and voiceless among us A times, the portrayal of our son in the media has been hurtful beeause it does not accurately reflect who he is. Our son isnot a politieal person and did not closely follow this year's presidential election. Maddison did not support either presidential candidate and therefore chose to abstain from voting in this election. We have never discussed the “Pizzagate” news story with Maddison and were not ware oft ourselves until we leamed Maddison was arrested. We have also read inaccurate coverage ofthe auto accident that happened in October 2016. After 4 police investigation, Maddison was not criminally charged in relation to the accident with the 13 year old boy. Our son rendered aid to this child and stayed on scene until paramedics arrived. We ate a close knit family and have a very strong bond with our son and our granddaughters. “Maddison and his father recently tok a father-son roadtrip to hike and talk about fatherhood. ‘This isthe kind of support and love our son has been surrounded by. And this is the kind of love Maddison gives his daughters. Our son works hard to provide for his Family and takes his responsibilities seriously. It is our sincere hope that this information is useful tothe pres, public, and to those who have {questions about his background and his character. Sincerely, ‘Terri and Harry Welch Dated: December 12, 2016