YOU NEED TO KNOW
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In the Justice Department’s latest release of files related to its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, prison records share more insight into Epstein’s mental state while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges.
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Epstein died by suicide in his cell on August 10, 2019, but a suicide risk assessment form dated August 1, 2019 states, “He said he is Jewish and said in his religion suicide is against religion”
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The DOJ has released many files related to the Epstein probe, many of which have been redacted
Days before Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in 2019, the sex offender claimed that he would never take his own life because, he said, suicide is forbidden in his Jewish faith.
In the Justice Department’s latest release of files related to its Epstein investigation, prison notes from his time at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City — where he was held while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges — offer a closer look at his mental state.
The notes mentioned a possible suicide attempt on July 23, 2019. According to the notes, Epstein told interviewers that he “couldn’t remember what happened” on the day in question “because of his ‘sleep apnea'”.
During a psychological observation from July 26, 2019, it was written that Epstein “does not like pain and never tries (sic) to harm himself.”
A suicide risk assessment form dated August 1, 2019, stated, “He said he is Jewish and said in his religion suicide is against religion,” according to the report. “Overall, his current protective factors outweigh his risk factors for suicidality. He is currently psychologically stable. He denied feeling hopeless. He is reporting positive future plans and reasons to live for them.”
The report listed Epstein’s “overall risk of acute suicide” as “low”.
The notes also show that Epstein denied having suicidal thoughts on August 8, 2019 — two days before he was found hanged in his cell. His death was ruled a suicide.
The DOJ has released many files related to the Epstein probe, many of which have been redacted. Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act in November, ordering the release of investigation materials. President Donald Trump signed the law even though he initially opposed it.
The law allowed the DOJ to omit or redact certain materials, including potentially identifying information of victims.
Trump’s name is found several times in the files and can be seen in a picture with Epstein. The photo was one of several that were removed from the DOJ website before being restored after the backlash.
Upon the release of the latest batch of materials, the DOJ said the files “contain untrue and sensationalist claims made against President Trump.”
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In different pictures there were also several well-known individuals, including former President Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Michael Jackson and Kevin Spacey.
Epstein’s longtime co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell, is serving a 20-year federal prison sentence following a sex-trafficking conviction.
Read the original article on People