Epstein missing minute from jail footage sparks doubts as DOJ dismisses conspiracy theories

A new report from the Justice Department (DOJ) concluding that there is no proof of a Jeffrey Epstein "client list" or any foul play involved in his 2019 death has sparked outrage after observers saw a one-minute gap in surveillance outside his prison cell.

The conclusion, designed to lay to rest any remaining conspiracy theory, has instead generated fresh doubt from critics and social media commentators.

🚨BREAKING: The recently released Epstein security footage is missing a full minute.

The footage cuts out at exactly 11:59:00 and picks back up at 12:00:00.
pic.twitter.com/6RMY8RKGwd

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 7, 2025

The two-page DOJ and FBI memo released on July 7 followed what officials described as an "exhaustive review" of Epstein-related documents (NBC Washington). The report concluded that Epstein had committed suicide in his Manhattan jail cell while he was awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges and that no client list or blackmail material was found.

Officals also warned that much of the rest of the Epstein case files hold sensitive details on over 1,000 victims.

"This systematic review revealed no incriminating 'client list.' There was also no credible evidence found that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals as part of his actions," The memo read.

But the new release of hours of security footage outside of Epstein's cell, to drive home the official account, has ignited a new wave of internet skepticism. The video, according to reports, is 11 hours long.

Witnesses have noted that the video footage of surveillance skips from 11:58 p.m. to midnight without explaining exactly a full minute. DOJ officials have said nothing about the omitted portion, and people are speculating that important evidence is being hidden.

More about people’s backlash at the contradictory memo

The memo also contradicted directly earlier comments by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who in February informed Fox News that Epstein's client list was on her desk for review. Conservative activists and social media commentators have since blasted Bondi and the Trump administration for defaulting on transparency promises regarding Epstein's A-list acquaintances.

"It's sitting on my desk right now to review... That's been a directive by President Trump." Bondi had told Fox News in a previous interview.

Influential people like Elon Musk, Benny Johnson, and Rogan O’Handley responded with outrage on social media, accusing the government of a cover-up.

“the federal government [is] officially confirming the cover-up is complete with Jeffrey Epstein.” Benny Johnson said in his YouTube video.

What’s the time? Oh look, it’s no-one-has-been-arrested-o’clock again … pic.twitter.com/CO9xJz68Tf

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 7, 2025

The memo from the DOJ explained that most of the case filings were inaccessible to the public because much of the information is private and sensitive about the victims and/or their associates.

The DOJ and FBI also argue that their conclusions are in line with past investigations, such as those by New York's chief medical examiner and the DOJ inspector general, but the lost video footage has raised doubts in many people's minds.