On Jeffrey Epstein case, House GOP report rips Justice Department, urges further investigation
Report calls for more scrutiny
The House Oversight Committee’s review criticized how the Justice Department handled the Epstein investigation, beginning at its earliest stages and continuing over the years. Released Tuesday, the 137-page report urged federal authorities to examine Epstein and people connected to him more closely.
Committee Republicans said the federal government had failed survivors across multiple administrations. They called on the department to renew efforts toward justice and accountability.
Witnesses and associates in focus
The report said some survivors and other witnesses told the committee that federal officials had not contacted or properly questioned them. It recommended interviewing or reinterviewing people in the circles of Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, his co-conspirator.
Committee Chair James Comer said investigators should pursue key witnesses, look into associates accused of crimes and ensure survivors can obtain their records. The report does not identify those individuals in the provided account.
Justice Department response
The Justice Department said it would pursue additional investigative leads related to Epstein. It also encouraged victims who have evidence or information to contact the FBI.
Key points
- The House report criticized the Justice Department’s handling of Epstein’s case over decades.
- Republicans urged interviews with key witnesses and investigations of associates accused of criminal activity.
- The report said survivors and witnesses described gaps in federal questioning.
- The Justice Department said it would continue pursuing leads and urged victims to contact the FBI.