Washington, D.C., February 12, 2026
During a recent congressional hearing, Attorney General Pam Bondi was heavily scrutinized by House Democrats regarding the Justice Department’s handling of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. Bondi deflected questions about Ghislaine Maxwell’s treatment by redirecting focus to the tragic case of Iryna Zarutska, who was killed on a light rail train in Charlotte. The hearing involved sharp exchanges and accusations of a cover-up concerning Epstein’s case, highlighting ongoing tensions between lawmakers and the Justice Department.
Washington, D.C.
Attorney General Pam Bondi Faces Heated Scrutiny Over Epstein Files, Deflects Questions with Focus on Iryna Zarutska Case
In a contentious congressional hearing on Tuesday, February 11, 2026, Attorney General Pam Bondi engaged in heated exchanges with House Democrats as she testified before the House Judiciary Committee regarding the Justice Department’s handling of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. During questioning, Bondi repeatedly deflected inquiries about alleged special treatment for Epstein co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, instead redirecting attention to the case of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee killed in Charlotte, North Carolina. The session saw numerous sharp exchanges and accusations of a “cover-up” from Democratic lawmakers.
Intense Scrutiny Over Maxwell’s Prison Transfer
The core of the Democratic questioning revolved around the Justice Department’s actions concerning Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for her role in child sex trafficking. U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross, a Democrat representing North Carolina’s 2nd District, pressed Bondi extensively on who authorized Maxwell’s transfer from a federal correctional facility in Florida to a minimum-security prison camp in Texas last year. Ross questioned whether the convicted sex trafficker had received special treatment, especially given reports that Maxwell’s attorney had offered her cooperation in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation in exchange for clemency from President Donald Trump.
Bondi maintained that she was unaware of Maxwell’s transfer until after it occurred in August of the previous year, stating that the decision was a matter for the Bureau of Prisons and that she was not involved. She also expressed that she hoped Maxwell “will die in prison”. Democrats, however, accused the Justice Department of a “massive cover-up” related to the redaction of identities in the more than 3 million pages of Epstein documents released last month.
The Introduction of Iryna Zarutska
As questions intensified regarding Maxwell, Bondi notably shifted the focus by repeatedly invoking the name of Iryna Zarutska. Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was tragically killed on a Charlotte light rail train in August 2025. She had reportedly fled Ukraine seeking safety from war and was working full-time at a Charlotte pizzeria while attending community college to improve her English, according to family friends. Her family described her death as “tragic and preventable”.
Bondi challenged Rep. Ross, stating, “Instead of talking about Ghislaine Maxwell… you should be talking about Iryna Zarutska” and accused Ross of not wanting to discuss the case, even implying it was “embarrassing” for Ross. Rep. Ross countered by asserting that she had indeed addressed the Charlotte case and reminded Bondi that the Attorney General was present to testify before Congress on a different matter. Ross further noted that Zarutska’s family had expressed gratitude for the condolences and support from North Carolina’s law enforcement community.
Contentious Exchanges Beyond Maxwell and Zarutska
The hearing was marked by several other heated exchanges. Bondi was criticized by various Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Rep. Pramila Jayapal. Bondi reportedly used insults, called Rep. Jayapal “unprofessional,” and accused her of engaging in “theatrics”. She also told Rep. Raskin, “You don’t tell me anything, you washed-up loser lawyer, you’re not even a lawyer”.
In another exchange, Bondi criticized Rep. Becca Balint of Vermont for her “present” vote on a 2023 resolution condemning antisemitism. Balint, who stated her grandfather was lost in the Holocaust, angrily confronted Bondi before leaving the hearing room.
While Democrats pressed for answers on the Epstein files, some Republicans ceded their time to Bondi, allowing her to respond to criticisms and praising her department’s work on crime and illegal immigration. However, Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, also expressed criticism of Bondi’s handling of the Epstein case, questioning why more men tied to Epstein were not under investigation.
The congressional hearing underscored ongoing tensions between the Justice Department and members of Congress regarding transparency and accountability in high-profile cases. The contentious atmosphere signals continued legislative oversight and public interest in the handling of the Epstein investigation and related matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Who was involved in the heated exchange during the recent congressional hearing?
Attorney General Pam Bondi and U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross engaged in a heated exchange during a recent congressional hearing. -
When did the congressional hearing take place?
The congressional hearing took place on Tuesday, February 11, 2026. -
Where did the congressional hearing occur?
The congressional hearing occurred in Washington, D.C., specifically before the House Judiciary Committee. -
What was Attorney General Pam Bondi questioned about?
Attorney General Pam Bondi was questioned about the Justice Department’s handling of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein and alleged special treatment for Ghislaine Maxwell. -
Why was Iryna Zarutska mentioned during the hearing?
Iryna Zarutska was mentioned by Attorney General Pam Bondi to deflect questions about Ghislaine Maxwell, with Bondi suggesting that lawmakers should focus on Zarutska’s case instead. -
Who is Iryna Zarutska?
Iryna Zarutska was a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who was tragically killed on a Charlotte light rail train in August 2025. -
What were the allegations against the Justice Department regarding the Epstein files?
Democratic lawmakers accused the Justice Department of a “massive cover-up” related to the redaction of identities in the more than 3 million pages of Epstein documents.
Key Features of the Congressional Hearing
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event | Congressional Hearing |
| Date | Tuesday, February 11, 2026 |
| Location | Washington, D.C. (House Judiciary Committee) |
| Key Figure (Attorney General) | Pam Bondi |
| Key Figure (Representative) | U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross |
| Primary Subject of Questioning | Justice Department’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein files and Ghislaine Maxwell’s alleged special treatment |
| Deflection Topic | Case of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee killed in Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Ghislaine Maxwell’s Status | Serving a 20-year sentence for child sex trafficking; questions arose about her transfer to a minimum-security prison camp and a potential clemency offer from President Donald Trump |
| Iryna Zarutska’s Background | 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, killed on a Charlotte light rail train in August 2025, had fled war and was working in Charlotte |
| Allegations against DOJ | Accusations of a “massive cover-up” regarding redactions in Epstein documents |
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