In an effort to enhance institutional transparency, FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino participated in a televised discussion with Fox News anchor Maria Bartiromo, addressing several contentious topics of public interest.
The case of Jeffrey Epstein, who was 66 years old when found deceased in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan, New York City, remains a subject of public scrutiny. His death occurred amid what has been documented as a series of institutional oversights.
According to findings published by the Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General, numerous facility personnel failed to perform required cell inspections and searches, missed scheduled monitoring of Epstein, and neglected other critical protocols that contributed to the circumstances surrounding his death.
The investigative document also highlighted the facility’s failure to assign the wealthy financier another cellmate following his placement on suicide watch protocol.
During the broadcast interview that aired yesterday (May 18), Bartiromo raised the controversial subject, noting: “You said Jeffrey Epstein committed suicide… people don’t believe it.”
Director Patel responded: “Well, I mean, listen – they have a right to their opinion, but as someone who has worked as a public defender, as a prosecutor who’s been in that prison system, who’s been in the metropolitan detention center, who’s been in segregated housing. You know a suicide when you see one, and that’s what that was.”
Deputy Director Bongino followed with a succinct statement: “He killed himself.”
Following the interview, the Deputy Director provided additional context through his social media platform.
“I was asked about some of the details surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein case. I have reviewed the case. Jeffrey Epstein killed himself. There’s no evidence in the case file indicating otherwise,” he stated online.
“I’m not asking you to believe me, or not. I’m telling you what exists, and what doesn’t. If new evidence surfaces I’m happy to reevaluate.”
Consistent with previous official statements, the FBI maintains that Epstein died by suicide.
Bongino elaborated further: “We were asked about FBI priorities. The Director and I told Maria that the President, the Attorney General, the Director, and I are absolutely committed to getting your FBI back to its roots. We will make your communities safer.
“Illegal immigration operations, child sex crimes investigations, 764 cases [an online group that allegedly coerces minors into creating sexually explicit material and harming themselves], and violent criminal fugitive apprehensions are all on our expanding radar.
“And while America is enjoying the summer we are already planning a massive operation to clean up your streets. The counter-terror and counter-intell missions are critical and will continue at our customary high-tempo too. This is what you pay us for.”