William Barr Assures Congressional Committee the Financier’s Passing Amounted to ‘Undoubtedly Self-Inflicted Death’
One-time top prosecutor William Barr reiterated his conclusion that Epstein’s 2019 death behind bars was “undoubtedly a suicide” before lawmakers investigating the disgraced financier’s crimes and ties.
His Testimony In Front of the House Body
The ex-attorney general, who acted as DOJ chief in Donald Trump’s first four years, asserted to the House oversight committee earlier this week, according to a transcript.
Speculations and Investigation Results
Conspiracy theories have persistently swirled suggesting foul play during imprisonment, supported by kin and including co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell. Multiple instances of oversights at the federal lockup in New York where Epstein was held strengthened these theories, for which a lack of hard evidence is available.
Barr’s Deposition and Position
In an August deposition, Barr reiterated his belief that Epstein had killed himself, and stated he was informed that Epstein was under observation before his death.
“The evidence mounted from my perspective that it was clearly suicide,” he stated.
Video Evidence and Blind Spot
Barr stressed that he did not believe someone gained access to Epstein’s cell without being captured by surveillance. However he acknowledged that the camera contained “a bit of gap” and noted that could make people suspicious.
Exchanges with Trump
Barr also described how he notified the president of Epstein’s death.
“I phoned the president and told him, ‘This will be big news,’” he stated. “His response mirrored mine: ‘How did it happen, he’s in federal custody?’”
Later, Trump reportedly said how he’d cut ties with Epstein long ago and ejected him from Mar-a-Lago.
Related Developments
The committee made public correspondence from former US attorneys general Gonzalez and Jeff Sessions indicating they possessed no relevant information regarding Epstein.
Panel leader James Comer has also asked his executors for complete financial records, communications, calendars and flight logs. Executors has already turned over certain papers but many lack comprehensive data.
Scheduled Appearance
One-time federal lawyer Alex Acosta, who handled a contentious settlement with Epstein in 2008 permitting him to confess to Florida offenses, is scheduled to testify in the hearing on Friday.
