During a recent House Judiciary Committee hearing, Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) probed FBI Director Christopher Wray with pointed questions, touching on sensitive and controversial topics, including former President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein.
The hearing on Wednesday was convened to examine the July 13 assassination attempt on Trump, which resulted in Trump being injured and the death of Trump supporter Corey Comperatore, who shielded his family during the attack. This session followed a chaotic House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing that led to the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle.
As the session unfolded, members of both parties diverged from the main topic to make political points. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) attempted to involve Wray in criticisms of President Joe Biden. Following this, Rep. Cohen used his time to address other matters, including the recent scandal involving former Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s comments about a potential investigation into Rep. Gaetz.
Cohen inquired whether President Biden or the Democratic Party had pressured Wray or the FBI regarding the case in Orlando, Florida, linked to allegations against Gaetz. Wray confirmed there was no such involvement from Biden or the Democratic Party.
Cohen then shifted focus to Jeffrey Epstein, asking Wray about the FBI’s investigation into Epstein. He referenced a raid on Epstein’s New York townhouse, questioning whether the FBI had obtained any compromising tapes of high-profile individuals associated with Epstein. Wray acknowledged that the FBI conducted numerous searches but did not confirm possession of such tapes. He stated that while he could not share specific details, he would check if further information could be provided.
Cohen pressed on, suggesting that if such tapes existed, the public might have a right to see them. Wray responded by emphasizing the need to adhere to rules governing evidence in criminal investigations and promised to follow up with his team on the matter.
