Former Justice Department head William Barr reiterated his finding that Jeffrey Epstein’s 2019 passing while incarcerated was “undoubtedly self-inflicted” before lawmakers probing the Epstein’s crimes and ties.
Barr’s Account In Front of the House Body
The ex-attorney general, who served as DOJ chief in President Trump’s first term, asserted during a committee hearing late Monday, as per documentation.
Speculations and DOJ Conclusions
Unproven claims have for years spread that Epstein was murdered behind bars, a theory pushed by kin and including associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Multiple instances of failures at the Metropolitan correctional center in New York where he was detained have served to bolster such assertions, for which a lack of definitive proof is available.
The Former AG’s Testimony and View
During summer testimony, Barr stood by his view that Epstein took his own life, and noted he knew that Epstein had been monitored before his death.
“It grew increasingly apparent to me that it was certainly a suicide,” he testified.
Camera Recordings and Blind Spot
Barr stressed that he doubted an intruder gained access to Epstein’s cell unnoticed via video. But he acknowledged that the camera did have “a bit of blind spot” and said he understood that might make people skeptical.
Exchanges with Trump
Barr also described how he told then-President Trump of Epstein’s death.
“I phoned the president and told him, ‘Prepare yourself,’” he stated. “He had the same reaction: ‘How did it happen, despite being imprisoned?’”
Later, Trump stated about having broken off with Epstein years earlier and had actually pushed him out from Mar-a-Lago.
Related Developments
The committee disclosed letters from ex-attorneys general Gonzales and the former AG stating they lacked relevant information on the subject.
Panel leader James Comer has also asked Epstein’s representatives for uncensored financial records, correspondence records, appointment books and aviation documents. Executors provided some documents but most omit specifics.
Future Hearing
One-time federal lawyer Alex Acosta, who handled a disputed plea deal with Epstein in 2008 that allowed him to confess to Florida solicitation charges, is scheduled to speak in the hearing soon.
