- Patel faces senators as critics question his leadership of the FBI
- Handling of Kirk shooting probe and Epstein files have drawn scrutiny from Trump allies
- Patel has sought to align FBI with Trump agenda
WASHINGTON, Sept 16 (Reuters) - FBI Director Kash Patel told a U.S. Senate panel on Tuesday there was no credible information that Jeffrey Epstein trafficked women and underage girls to anyone but himself, seeking to defuse criticism of the Trump administration’s move to end its review of the case.
Patel’s disclosure about the late financier and convicted sex offender came as he angrily pushed back on questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee about his handling of the investigation into the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the firings of veteran officials who have claimed they were removed for political reasons.
Patel told senators the FBI’s investigative files on Epstein were limited because a U.S. attorney in Florida improperly narrowed the scope of an investigation into Epstein two decades ago.
The Justice Department’s July decision not to release additional material enraged many of President Donald Trump’s hardline supporters, who expected his administration to reveal connections between Epstein, who died by suicide while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, and other wealthy and powerful people.
“We have released all credible information,” Patel said.
Seems pretty defensive. So he did traffic women and girls, but only to himself? That’s like claiming the drug dealer is the only one using the drugs.
In particular when they’ve already announced over 1000 victims.
How the hell did Epstein have time to rape 1000 victims… and still have so much time to party with and manage money for so many powerful people.
Also yeah, the trafficking itself is such a crazy concept. You don’t solo traffic so many people by yourself.