JUST IN: Sleuths Notice ‘Missing Minute’ In Newly-Released Epstein Jail Cell Footage

The Department of Justice has released never-before-seen surveillance footage from the night Jeffrey Epstein died in federal custody — but eagle-eyed viewers say something’s not adding up.

The newly unveiled footage was published Monday by the DOJ and FBI. It captures the exterior of Epstein’s cell at the now-shuttered Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan on the night of August 9, 2019. According to federal authorities, the tape proves that no one entered or exited the cell area between 10:40 PM that night and 6:30 AM the following morning, when Epstein was found dead.

However, within hours of the release, online sleuths pointed out what they believe to be a glaring omission: a full minute of footage is missing.

In the timeline provided by the footage, the timestamp jumps directly from 11:58:59 PM to 11:59:59 PM, skipping over the 11:59:00–11:59:58 window entirely. While DOJ officials have not addressed the discrepancy directly, critics are now demanding answers.

The release comes as part of a broader attempt by federal authorities to put longstanding conspiracy theories to rest. Alongside the footage, the DOJ and FBI issued a two-page joint statement reaffirming the official position: Epstein died by suicide, there was no foul play involved, and investigators found no credible evidence of a “client list,” blackmail scheme, or involvement by high-profile associates.

Before entering public office, FBI Director Kash Patel and his deputy, Dan Bongino, had been among the voices most critical of the government’s investigation into Epstein’s death. They had alluded to his relationship with the Clintons, Bill Gates, and members of the Royal Family, all of whom visited his notorious Virgin Islands compound over the years.

But both men have since retracted their past statements by publicly confirming that Epstein died by suicide.

“You said Jeffrey Epstein committed suicide. People don’t believe it,” Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo told Patel and Bongino in a May interview.

Patel responded authoritatively, “They have a right to their opinion. But as someone who’s been a public defender, a prosecutor, who’s worked in that prison system and been inside segregated housing — you know a suicide when you see one. And that’s what that was.”

Bongino, a former U.S. Secret Service agent, stepped in to back up his boss. “He killed himself,” Bongino said. “Again, you want me to—I’ve seen the whole file. He killed himself.”

That conclusion, however, has failed to silence skeptics. The DOJ maintains that its findings are conclusive.

Still, the optics of a delayed release — compounded by the time gap — are fueling speculation rather than closure.

According to the memo, investigators closely watched the security camera footage from the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City, where Epstein was being held the night of Aug. 10, 2019. The footage, which was reviewed by Axios, showed no one entering or exiting the area of Epstein’s cell on the night of his death.

“The FBI enhanced the relevant footage by increasing its contrast, balancing the color, and improving its sharpness for greater clarity and viewability,” the memo says.

The Metropolitan Correctional Center, where Epstein was held, has since been closed due to what federal officials called “serious operational issues.” The facility came under fire in 2019 after it was revealed that surveillance cameras malfunctioned and jail staff falsified records the night of Epstein’s death.

With Monday’s release, the Justice Department likely hoped to put the Epstein saga to rest once and for all. But if the online reaction is any indication, the opposite has happened.