Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) confronted Patel over the bureau’s handling of Epstein’s files, arguing that the agency is sitting on witness statements that implicate powerful men while failing to investigate further.
Massie, who has led a bipartisan discharge petition to force a full release of the Epstein records, cited FBI 302 reports from the 2019 New York investigation, which victims say identified at least 20 men Epstein trafficked minors to, including bankers, billionaires, a royal, a Hollywood producer, and a prominent former politician.
“We know these people exist in the FBI files, files that you control,” Massie said. “Have you launched any investigations into any of these people? And have you seen these 302 documents?”
Patel replied that two different U.S. attorneys’ offices under three administrations had already reviewed the materials and found no new grounds for prosecution. He admitted he had not personally read every 302 but insisted, “We are not in the practice of releasing victims’ names.”
Massie pressed: “How can you sit here and say there are no names?” Patel maintained that “multiple authorities have looked at the entirety” of the files.
The Kentucky Republican also raised questions about Epstein’s alleged CIA connections and asked Patel if he would review any CIA case file if it exists. Patel said he would look at any interagency material provided but would not confirm such records.
Massie then pivoted to a controversial release of materials. He asked Patel whether he was present when Bondi released the Epstein binders to social media influencers. Patel confirmed he was. Massie pressed further, asking why the FBI would meet with influencers who stood to benefit from the sensational and sad stories of victims but not with the victims themselves.
Patel responded that the FBI would meet with anyone who had new information, but when asked if he would personally meet with survivors, Patel said the bureau’s professionals handling the cases would do so instead.
A group of 15 conservative influencers had visited the White House and emerged with binders labeled “The Epstein Files: Phase 1” that they obtained from Bondi, who has vowed to release information held by the Justice Department about the late sex offender. But some of those who received the binders said there was little new information.
