In a dramatic shift that caught many off guard, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino firmly declared that Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide — a statement that has sent shockwaves through MAGA circles and conspiracy theorist communities.
Bongino, appearing alongside FBI Director Kash Patel on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo, directly addressed long-standing skepticism surrounding Epstein’s 2019 death inside New York’s Metropolitan Correctional Center.
“You said Jeffrey Epstein committed suicide,” Bartiromo stated to Patel. “People don’t believe it.”
Patel responded by acknowledging public doubts but offered a firm defense of the official conclusion. “As someone who’s worked as a public defender, a prosecutor, been in that prison system — you know a suicide when you see one,” he said.
Bongino then interjected with conviction:
“He killed himself. I've seen the whole file — he killed himself.”
The bold assertion marks a stark reversal for Bongino, who previously entertained and promoted theories suggesting Epstein’s death may have involved foul play. Last year, he hinted on his podcast that former President Bill Clinton might be “knee-deep” in the Epstein scandal and claimed there were still secrets yet to be uncovered.
However, on Sunday, Bongino doubled down on his new stance, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to reiterate:
“I have reviewed the case. Jeffrey Epstein killed himself. There’s no evidence in the case file suggesting otherwise. I’m not asking you to believe me — I’m telling you what exists and what doesn’t. If new evidence surfaces, I’m happy to re-evaluate.”
Despite Bongino’s statements, public doubt remains strong.
Podcaster Luke Rudkowski questioned the prison conditions surrounding Epstein’s death:
“How did Epstein destroy video cameras, get his cellmate removed, and manage suicide while under strict watch after a prior attempt?”
Conservative influencer Sarah Adams called for an independent investigation, citing distrust in the FBI's handling of past events such as Benghazi.
“An outside body needs to investigate Epstein’s death for the public to trust the findings,” she wrote.
Florida County Commissioner Anthony Sabatini was more blunt:
“Jeffrey Epstein did not kill himself.”
A Controversial Legacy
Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender with a web of powerful connections, was found dead in his jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. The official ruling was suicide by hanging, but a series of failures at the detention center — including malfunctioning cameras and absent guards — fueled widespread conspiracy theories.
Adding to the intrigue, in February, Attorney General Pam Bondi began what she called “Phase One” of releasing long-anticipated Epstein files. While these included flight logs, his contact book, and lists of evidence and massage appointments, no explosive revelations have yet emerged.
The contact book, long rumored and previously leaked in parts, includes the names of numerous celebrities, politicians, and public figures — from Mick Jagger and Alec Baldwin to Ivanka Trump and former Senator Ted Kennedy. Notably, inclusion in the book does not imply involvement in any criminal activity.
While Bongino’s recent declaration adds a surprising twist to the Epstein saga, it is unlikely to quell the intense public speculation surrounding the case. With trust in official narratives at a low in many circles, the demand for transparency — and an independent investigation — remains louder than ever.
