New Epstein files have finally revealed the so-called missing minute of prison footage filmed hours before the disgraced financier’s death.
A figure appeared to be moving toward Jeffrey Epstein’s cell in the clip that the Trump administration previously claimed didn’t exist.
A huge dump of files relating to convicted 𝓈ℯ𝓍 offender Epstein was released, including nearly 14 hours of CCTV footage from inside Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, where Epstein was being held when he died on the night of August 9, 2019. He was awaiting trial for 𝓈ℯ𝓍 trafficking of minors, and a recent probe concluded that he 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed himself.
The footage covers one camera from 6 pm on August 9 to 7 am the next morning, including the moment Epstein was found hanging in his cell at 6:33 am. In previously released footage, a minute was missing – the clock ticked from 11:58:58 to midnight – but this release includes that minute. At 11:59:40, a guard can be seen stepping from behind the desk and walking across the communal area toward the staircase leading to Epstein’s cell. Only a small portion is visible, so it’s unclear if the guard climbed the stairs.
Attorney General Pam Bondi had previously claimed the minute was missing due to the prison’s outdated CCTV system, stating that the video resets every night. That statement now appears untrue.
Sex trafficking survivors and advocates gathered to campaign for further protections after the files were released. Politicians, including GOP Representative Thomas Massie, have supported efforts to release all relevant files. Survivors have suggested compiling lists of people involved in Epstein’s network.
Victims expressed concern over Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence, being moved to a lower security facility. Anouska De Georgiou said the prison was “a holiday camp” and highlighted the danger of Maxwell’s potential pardon.
Sky Roberts, brother of Virginia Giuffre, emphasized the importance of ensuring powerful individuals cannot evade justice.
Donald Trump criticized the survivors’ statements, calling it a “Democrat hoax” and comparing it to the JFK assassination file releases.
The first release of the jail footage was controversial because it was labeled “raw,” but analysis suggested it might have been a screen recording stitched together from two clips. The more complete footage was released by the House Oversight Committee amid a probe into potential ethics violations. Committee officials met with survivors of Epstein’s abuse.
The discussion with survivors moved top Republican Rep Nancy Mace to tears. Florida Republican Anna Paulina Luna said some powerful people need to face justice and expressed frustration at the delays.
A total of 33,295 pages of material handed over by the Justice Department were released, detailing Epstein’s 𝓈ℯ𝓍-trafficking network and his partner-in-crime Ghislaine Maxwell.
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