FBI Director Kash Patel Criticized Over FBI Resources Used to Protect Country Singer Girlfriend

FBI Director Kash Patel Criticized Over FBI Resources Used to Protect Country Singer Girlfriend

FBI Director Kash Patel is facing scrutiny after reports that federal tactical teams and other government resources were assigned to protect his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins.

Former senior agent Christopher O’Leary told MS Now there was “no legitimate justification” for the protection detail, noting that Wilkins “is not his spouse, does not live in the same house or even the same city.” He added in comments to The New York Times that Patel’s use of the FBI’s jet and SWAT-qualified agents for personal matters reflected “a lack of leadership experience, judgment and humility.”

One widely discussed incident occurred at the National Rifle Association’s annual convention in Atlanta, where Wilkins performed the national anthem. She arrived with two FBI SWAT agents from the local field office, according to reports. Those agents are normally reserved for hostage rescues and other high-risk operations.

After determining the venue was secure, the agents reportedly left early. Patel was said to have been angry, arguing that Wilkins remained a potential target because of online threats against her.

Concerns resurfaced in late September, when SWAT officers in Salt Lake City were reassigned from long shifts following the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk to protect Wilkins at a political event. Officials cited fears she could be threatened as well.

Patel’s spokesperson, Ben Williamson, defended the assignments as a response to genuine concerns for the singer’s safety. “Ms. Wilkins is receiving a protective detail because she has faced hundreds of credible death threats related to her relationship with Director Patel,” he said. He disputed claims that she was ever fully safe during the NRA appearance, calling some criticism politically motivated.

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The FBI told MS Now it wouldn’t comment further “out of respect for her safety.”

Wilkins has posted screenshots of threats on social media, including messages urging her to “take a bullet.” One message was timestamped Feb. 22 — the day after Patel was sworn in as director.

Patel has also drawn attention for his use of the FBI’s government aircraft, which he’s required to use for secure communications. Some trips included visits to see Wilkins or attend leisure activities. In October, he used the jet to fly to State College, Pennsylvania, where Wilkins sang the national anthem at a Penn State wrestling match during a federal government shutdown.

Critics, including conservative commentator Kyle Seraphin, accused him of misusing the aircraft to “hang out with his ‘chick.’”

Patel pushed back on social media, calling attacks on Wilkins “disgustingly baseless” and describing her as “a true patriot and the woman I’m proud to call my partner in life.”

Wilkins has also taken legal action in recent months, suing former Utah Senate candidate Samuel Parker and conservative podcaster Elijah Schaffer for calling her an “Israeli spy.” ) Refrences – ndtv