FBI Director Kash Patel is under fire over revelations that government resources, including SWAT agents, were deployed to protect his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins. Former senior agent Christopher O’Leary criticized Patel’s actions, stating there was “no legitimate justification for this” as Wilkins is neither his spouse nor a cohabitant. O’Leary further characterized Patel’s use of elite SWAT personnel for personal matters as a display of poor judgment and a lack of leadership experience.
One of the most notable instances occurred during the National Rifle Association’s annual convention in Atlanta, where Wilkins performed the national anthem. Two local FBI SWAT agents were dispatched to ensure her safety at Patel’s request. However, after confirming the venue’s safety, the agents reportedly left early. This decision provoked an angry response from Patel, who felt that leaving Wilkins unprotected was unacceptable, especially given that she had received online threats owing to her high-profile status as a conservative figure.
In a related incident, after the tragic killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah, SWAT agents from Salt Lake City were reassigned to protect Wilkins at a political event amid fears that she could also be targeted. Patel’s spokesperson defended the actions, stating that Wilkins was receiving protective detail due to hundreds of credible death threats tied to her relationship with Patel.
Wilkins herself has shared troubling screenshots of threats, including disturbing messages advising her to “take a bullet.” A particularly chilling threat was dated just after Patel’s appointment as FBI Director.
In addition to protection details, Patel has faced scrutiny for reportedly using FBI aircraft for personal trips, including visits to Wilkins. Notably, he utilized the FBI jet to attend a Penn State wrestling event where Wilkins performed the national anthem during a government shutdown, prompting conservative commentator Kyle Seraphin to condemn his use of government resources for personal reasons.
In response to the backlash, Patel defended both his relationship with Wilkins and her character, calling the attacks on her “disgustingly baseless” and expressing pride in their partnership. Wilkins has also taken legal action against individuals who made defamatory claims about her, including allegations of espionage.
The situation highlights concerns around the use of government resources in personal matters and raises questions regarding the ethics of public officials in their private lives. As the scrutiny continues, both Patel and Wilkins seem determined to face the challenges head-on, upholding their public personas while navigating the fallout from these revelations.