 "Why is FBI chief Kash Patel deploying Swat teams for his girlfriend’s protection? – Firstpost")
FBI Director Kash Patel is facing new criticism after a report claims he employed SWAT agents and other government resources to protect his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins. Patel reportedly believes the 27-year-old, who is well known in conservative circles, may be in danger due to recent online threats she has received.
Kash Patel is in the headlines again, and not for the reasons he wants. The FBI director is facing new criticism after a report claims he employed SWAT agents and other government resources to protect his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins.
According to a report the new York TimesFBI resources have been turned toward Wilkins several times in recent months. The outlet cited both current and former FBI officials as saying that using agents trained for special, high-risk missions in this manner is highly unusual.
And this is not the first time that Patel’s actions have been questioned. Just months earlier, he had faced investigation for allegedly using a taxpayer-funded jet to attend Wilkins’ performance at a sporting event. While Patel, 45, has denied the claims, critics have called the pattern of decisions an abuse of power and misuse of government resources.
So why are SWAT agents being deployed for Patel’s girlfriend? And is this even allowed? Here’s a closer look.
Why are SWAT agents with Wilkins?
The widely publicized incident unfolded at the National Rifle Association’s annual convention in Atlanta, where Alexis Wilkins presented the national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner.
She arrived at the venue accompanied by two FBI SWAT agents from the local field office, officers whom Patel had reportedly instructed to accompany her. These agents are generally reserved for high-risk tasks such as hostage rescue, not event escorts.
Once agents assessed the scene and determined the 27-year-old singer was in no immediate danger, they quietly left quickly.
according to the new York Times, Patel became angry with this decision. He reportedly rebuked the team commander, arguing that Wilkins should not have been left without protection and criticizing what he saw as poor communication.
Patel believed that Wilkins, who is well known in conservative circles, may still be vulnerable due to online threats she has received.
Wilkins, who has been with Patel for about three years, posted screenshots earlier this year showing several disturbing messages, including one urging her to “take a pill” or harm herself. A threat was issued on February 22, 2025, just a day after Patel was sworn in.
A similar situation had emerged at the end of September. After responding to the murder of conservative figure Charlie Kirk in Utah, SWAT agents from the Salt Lake City field office were suddenly redirected to protect Wilkins at a political event, out of fear that he too might be targeted.
FBI director faced criticism
But many inside the agency have pushed back on these decisions to assign agents to protect the director’s girlfriend.
Former senior FBI agent Christopher O’Leary told now ms There was “no lawful justification for it,” noting that Wilkins “is not her spouse, does not live in the same house or in the same city.”
O’Leary also criticized unusual resource usage patterns. ,[Kash Patel]His outrageous and excessive use of GV jets for his personal exploits and appointment of SWAT-qualified special agents to protect his girlfriend are indicative of his lack of leadership experience, judgment and humility,” he said.
Also read: ‘He’s a patriot’: Kash Patel rejects ‘baseless’ claims of using $60 million FBI jet to attend girlfriend’s event
FBI defends Kash Patel
According to public statements from the bureau, Wilkins’ protective detail was authorized after authorities assessed repeated and credible threats directed at him online.
An FBI spokesperson said they needed increased security due to security concerns, although the bureau declined to provide specific details, citing operational sensitivities.
Officials argue that Patel, as director, is an “essential-use traveler” entitled to government aircraft and security assets, with the FBI insisting that his travel and protective arrangements “comply with all required regulations.”
Patel’s spokesman Ben Williamson further defended the deployment, saying that the director would not compromise Wilkins’ safety and described the attacks on him as “disgustingly baseless”.
He said Patel reimburses the government for personal travel at commercial ticket rates, which is standard practice for senior officials.
with inputs from agencies
end of article
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