Lauren Boebert image sparks disruption as Bill and Hillary Clinton give closed-door depositions
An image taken by lauren boebert from inside a closed-door deposition interrupted testimony and helped focus attention on two consecutive days of questioning of Bill and Hillary Clinton by the House Oversight Committee. The sessions, held near the Clintons' home and conducted behind closed doors, aim to probe the network surrounding Jeffrey Epstein.
Bill Clinton deposition
Former President Bill Clinton told congressional investigators that he had “no idea” about the scope of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes and insisted, “I know what I saw, and more importantly, what I didn’t see, ” adding, “I know what I did, and more importantly, what I didn’t do. I saw nothing, and I did nothing wrong. ” He testified for more than six hours before the Republican-led committee near his home in Chappaqua, N. Y., the day after his wife’s appearance.
Hillary Clinton opening statement
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivered a lengthy deposition the day before and released her opening statement publicly. In that statement she said she does not remember ever meeting Jeffrey Epstein and criticized Republican lawmakers for pursuing what she called “fishing expeditions” instead of a “serious” investigation. In the written remarks she told the committee: “You have compelled me to testify, fully aware that I have no knowledge that would assist your investigation, in order to distract attention from President Trump’s actions and to cover them up despite legitimate calls for answers. ”
Lauren Boebert image disruption
Hillary Clinton’s deposition featured an hourlong disruption after an image taken from inside the closed-door proceedings was posted online by GOP Rep. Lauren Boebert. The photo’s appearance prompted the interruption during a session that otherwise remained private.
Committee leadership and pressure to appear
Republican Rep. James Comer, chair of the House Oversight Committee, said the committee has “a lot of questions” and is committed to getting answers. Comer acknowledged that months of back-and-forth with the Clintons preceded the depositions and that GOP leaders ultimately forced the couple to agree to appear by threatening to hold them in contempt of Congress. He also said, “No one’s accusing, at this moment, the Clintons of any wrongdoing … but we have a lot of questions. ”
Lines of questioning and collateral topics
Hillary Clinton told reporters after her testimony that she repeatedly stated she did not know Jeffrey Epstein, saying, “I don’t know how many times I had to say I did not know Jeffrey Epstein. ” She added, “I never went to his island. I never went to his homes. I never went to his offices. ” Clinton also said the questioning strayed into other subjects, including UFOs and a series of inquiries about Pizzagate, the debunked conspiracy theory that once alleged a child sex ring in the basement of a Washington pizza shop.
Jeffrey Epstein background and committee purpose
Epstein, a wealthy financier who spent time with some of the world’s richest and most powerful men, was accused of running a sprawling criminal operation that victimized dozens of underage girls over multiple decades. He was convicted on two counts of soliciting prostitution in 2008 in what has been described as a sweetheart deal, was arrested again in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges, and died by suicide after a little over a month in custody. Neither Bill Clinton nor Hillary Clinton has been accused of being part of Epstein’s alleged crimes.
Comer said the point of these hearings was to expand the committee’s knowledge of the se unclear in the provided context. What makes this notable is that the public-facing moments — a high-profile photo and brief, forceful statements — unfolded around depositions that were otherwise closed to the public, sharpening partisan tensions even as investigators press for documentary and testimonial detail.
