Amid bated anticipation over the release of the files linked to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) are now working together to check if “anything more” from the files can be made public, FBI Director Kash Patel said.
Attorney General Pam Bondi told ABC News there was new information that had come to light in the files but declined to clarify what the information was.
She said that the Justice Department “will continue to follow the law” regarding what is released.
Here are five key things to remember about the files –
Epstein files: What is in it?
Records related to the aborted federal investigation on Epstein’s Florida operations and his Manhattan operations will be part of the documents mandated for release under the new law signed by President Donald Trump, according to BBC.
The documents could also include notes and reports written by FBI agents, transcripts of witness interviews, photographs, videos and other evidence, as well as Epstein’s autopsy report, PBS reported.
What isn’t authorised for release under the law?
No identifiable information related to any victim can be released in the files. Authorities can also not release any materials depicting the sexual abuse of children, or images of death, physical abuse, or injury, FBI had confirmed in a July memo.
Who are the high-profile people allegedly linked to Epstein?
Epstein’s so-called “client list”, a purported collection of his famous associates with Epstein links has been a matter of much discussion. Bondi in an earlier interview with Fox News also said that the client list “was sitting on her desk”.
Some of the influential people linked to Epstein are former President Bill Clinton and ex-UK royal Andrew Windsor. Bill and his wife Hillary were have also summoned by the US House to provide depositions in the matter next month.
Former L Brands CEO Les Wexner, actor Kevin Spacey and comedian Chris Tucker have also been linked to Epstein.
Some documents have been released
Many documents, including police reports written in Florida, state grand jury records, depositions of Epstein’s employees, his flight records and his address book, are available already, The Independent reported.
Even the FBI has previously released some Epstein-related files, posting more than 1,400 pages to its website, though much of the material was redacted and some hidden because it was under seal.
When will all the files be available to the public?
The Justice Department was given a deadline to make all the documents public in a searchable and downloadable format within 30 days of Trump signing it into law. That means they need to release the files by December 19.
However, this isn’t set in stone. The Justice Department can also withhold files that it feels could jeopardise an active federal investigation. Files can also be withheld if they’re found to be classified or if they pertain to national defence or foreign policy, ABC news reported.