US lawmakers demand accountability after Prince Andrew arrest

US lawmakers demand action after Prince Andrew arrest

US lawmakers are calling for more accountability for those close to Jeffrey Epstein following the arrest of Prince Andrew in the UK. The former royal was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office, a charge related to the alleged sharing of confidential material with Epstein.

Congressman Thomas Massie, who co-sponsored the law that forced the release of the Epstein files, immediately called for similar justice in the United States. "Prince Andrew was just arrested," he wrote on social media. "Now we need JUSTICE in the United States."

Lawmakers extend an invitation to Prince Andrew

Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, who leads the House Oversight Committee, told the BBC his door remains open for Prince Andrew to testify. He called the arrest a "huge breakthrough" but noted the former prince cannot be legally compelled to come to the US.

"I will fly out to the UK if I have to. Whatever he wants to do," Subramanyam said. He added that many victims "liked seeing him lose his title" as they saw it as a step toward accountability for the rich and powerful.

Bipartisan pressure led to file release

Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna and Republican Thomas Massie said their actions directly contributed to the arrest. The law they co-sponsored compelled the Department of Justice to release documents related to the Epstein investigation last year.

"Even princes are not above the law," Khanna wrote online. He and Massie forced the release of an email allegedly showing Prince Andrew shared state information with Epstein.

Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace said she was the only member of Congress to publicly call for Andrew's arrest. "Today, on his 66th birthday, that call was answered," she stated. "Who’s next?"

Trump calls arrest 'a shame' for royal family

Former President Donald Trump commented on the arrest while speaking to reporters. "I think it’s a shame, I think it’s very sad, I think it’s so bad for the royal family," he said.

Trump also made a broader observation about the case. "It’s really interesting because nobody used to speak about Epstein when he was alive, but now they speak," he added.

Arrest is separate from sex offense allegations

It is crucial to note the UK arrest is for misconduct in a public office and does not relate to sexual offenses. UK police are assessing a complaint about the alleged sharing of confidential material.

Prince Andrew has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing related to his association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Epstein files include many high-profile names

The justice department files released last year included a long list of prominent individuals who had some association with Epstein. Being named in the documents does not imply criminal activity, and many have denied any wrongdoing.

Key names in the files include:

• Elon Musk
• Bill Gates
• Former President Donald Trump
• Former President Bill Clinton
• Richard Branson
• Peter Mandelson
• Sarah Ferguson

US investigations will continue

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee investigating Epstein's wrongdoing vowed to continue their work. "No one connected to Jeffrey Epstein will escape accountability for their crimes," they wrote following the arrest.

Their investigation faces hurdles, however. A request for former British Ambassador Peter Mandelson to sit for a deposition was recently denied. His lawyers stated he is "unable to appear due to the ongoing investigation by the Metropolitan Police."

Congressman Subramanyam emphasized the broader mission. "Our work is just beginning, and we will pursue justice for every individual who participated in the abuse of women and girls," he said.