Patel has repeatedly stated that the FBI and Justice Division have launched all “credible” data within the Epstein case file. Some lawmakers have questioned why the FBI’s summaries of interviews with victims, during which they apparently identify others who they are saying victimized them, haven’t been launched, provided that framework.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat of Washington, picked up on that line of questioning.
“Right now, in response to Mr. Massie’s query, you appeared to say that the survivors weren’t credible. These are survivors —” she stated.
“That is under no circumstances what I stated,” Patel stated.
“OK, nice, I’ll ask you this in a second, however let me let you know concerning the survivors —” Jayapal continued.
“Do not lie about me,” Patel stated.
“— and let’s convey them up right here within the room. These are girls who got here to the Hill and testified that they had been groomed and raped on the age of 14 and 16 years outdated and so they known as to fulfill with the president and to fulfill with the FBI and to have individuals examine their claims,” Jayapal stated. “A few of them have by no means testified earlier than. In case you are so curious about getting the general public to submit any data, why have you ever not met with them?”
“My job because the FBI director —”
“Is the reply sure or no that you just met with these girls who had been sexually abused and raped?” Jayapal requested, her voice rising.
“Any insinuation that you just or any individuals in your facet that I’m not manhunting youngster predators and intercourse traffickers, simply take a look at the stats,” Patel stated. “And also you discuss cover-ups, ma’am. The place had been you through the Obama and Biden administrations when these so-called cover-ups had been occurring?”
After some backwards and forwards over how a lot time Jayapal had left, she requested him straight if he thinks the victims are credible.
“Ma’am, I am commenting on the proof we have now. We now have repeatedly requested for individuals to come back ahead with extra proof and we are going to take a look at it,” Patel stated.