Barr says 'serious irregularities' in the Epstein case 'demand a thorough investigation'
Attorney General William Barr on Monday blasted the Metropolitan Correctional Center after the death of Jeffrey Epstein and promised that the case will receive a thorough investigation.
Barr spoke on Monday after Epstein, who was facing sex trafficking charges, died by suicide in the Manhattan prison over the weekend, with reports later emerging that he was not being closely monitored at the time of his death. The attorney general said he was "appalled" and "angry" to learn of Epstein's death, calling out the federal jail's "failure to adequately secure this prisoner." Reports have suggested that Epstein did not have a cellmate when he was supposed to, and he was not being checked on by guards every 30 minutes, as was protocol.
Barr went on to say that the "serious irregularities" at this facility that are now coming out are "deeply concerning" and "demand a thorough investigation." The FBI and the Office of Inspector General are now doing so, he said, promising that "there will be accountability."
The attorney general concluded by promising that the case will continue and that "any co-conspirators" of Epstein's "should not rest easy," and the victims "will get" justice. Watch Barr's comments on Epstein below.
NEW: Attorney General Bill Barr says he was "appalled" and "angry" at the failure to "adequately secure" Jeffrey Epstein.
"We are now learning of serious irregularities at this facility that are deeply concerning and demand a thorough investigation." https://t.co/NPRWFgssFd pic.twitter.com/zZy1Su9za2— ABC News (@ABC) August 12, 2019