William Barr Informs Lawmakers Jeffrey Epstein’s Death Was ‘Clearly Self-Inflicted Death’
Ex- top prosecutor William Barr restated his finding that Jeffrey Epstein’s 2019 passing in prison was “undoubtedly suicide” to a panel looking into the disgraced financier’s wrongdoings and ties.
His Statement To Oversight Committee
Barr, who acted as attorney general in the Trump administration’s first four years, asserted before lawmakers late Monday, as per a transcript.
Rumors and Official Findings
Conspiracy theories have long circulated suggesting foul play while in federal custody, an idea promoted by relatives and by Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Multiple instances of security lapses at the federal lockup in New York where Epstein was held fueled such assertions, despite the fact that no definitive proof is available.
Barr’s Testimony and Position
In an August deposition, Barr stood by his belief that Epstein died by suicide, and noted he knew that Epstein was under observation prior to his death.
“It became clearer and clearer to me that it was certainly self-inflicted,” Barr said.
Surveillance Footage and Limitation
Barr emphasized that he was convinced it was impossible anyone gained access to Epstein’s cell undetected by surveillance. However he conceded that the camera had “a bit of unmonitored area” and remarked that could make people skeptical.
Discussions with the President
Barr recounted how he told Donald Trump of Epstein’s death.
“I reached out to Trump and told him, ‘This will be big news,’” Barr recalled. “His response mirrored mine: ‘How could this occur, he’s in federal custody?’”
Later, Trump stated how he’d ended the relationship with him years earlier and had actually pushed him out from the property.
Related Developments
The committee made public correspondence from ex-attorneys general Gonzalez and the former AG noting they lacked pertinent knowledge about the case.
Oversight head James Comer has also asked the Epstein estate for complete transaction logs, communications, appointment books and aviation documents. Executors provided some documents but numerous are missing comprehensive data.
Future Hearing
One-time federal lawyer Alex Acosta, who handled a disputed settlement with Epstein in 2008 permitting him to plead guilty Florida prostitution-related counts, will appear to appear before the panel on Friday.
