A Bureau of Prisons psychological assessment released Tuesday by the Department of Justice found Jeffrey Epstein was considered at “low” acute suicide risk and showed no signs of suicidal ideation just days before his death, according to internal prison records.
The suicide risk assessment, conducted on July 9, 2019, states Epstein was placed on precautionary psychological observation due to the high-profile nature of his case and not because he expressed intent to self-harm.
“Inmate Epstein adamantly denied any suicidal ideation, intention or plan,” the chief psychologist wrote in the assessment.
The psychologist noted Epstein appeared “polite, calm, and cooperative” during the evaluation, with “organized and coherent” thoughts and no signs of acute psychological distress.
The assessment lists multiple risk factors including extensive media attention, sex trafficking charges, pretrial detention and limited family connections.
“He reported he is going to have a bail hearing on Monday and believes he is going to be released from jail,” the report states. At the time of the evaluation, Epstein was eating breakfast and asking to contact his attorney.
The psychologist also documented Epstein saying “being alive is fun,” describing himself as a banker with a “big business,” and expressing confidence in his legal defense.
The report concluded that “the Overall Acute Suicide Risk for this Inmate is: Low,” and “A suicide watch is not warranted at this time.”