Epstein files released: Justice department website crashes as thousands try to access documents – how to view them

The US Justice Department’s official website struggled to cope with heavy traffic on Friday as the first batch of Jeffrey Epstein files was made public.

Following the release, dozens of people reported the site crashing on social media. Users said that the website was “not loading” or showing messages showing their requests were “in queue.” Users attempting to download documents were met with delays, forcing them to check other sources of legacy media for information.




The documents were made public after years. It contains details from federal investigations into the pedophile and convicted sex offender. The release is expected to shed light on Epstein’s activities, his associates, wealthy friends, and ongoing civil and criminal inquiries into sexual abuse.

The documents include thousands of pages, covering court filings, correspondence, and investigative notes. The volume of material is expected to be large, as it contains thousands of interactions involving texts and other kinds of deals. It also includes hundreds of photographs, which occupy a lot of digital space. These aspects contributed to the strain on the DOJ’s online systems.

Social media users repeatedly refreshed to download documents. The Justice Department plans to release further batches in the coming weeks.

Where can people access the files?

The newly released Jeffrey Epstein files can be accessed directly on the US Department of Justice website, where they have been uploaded in batches. Users can browse, search, and download documents related to the investigation. The files are publicly available for research and review.

Social media reactions