"Concerns raised by DC ethics watchdogs, reporters, and conservative podcasters include the cost to taxpayers of the private flights; abuses of power ranging from the small (should girlfriends get spousal benefits?), to the large (does the FBI director even have the authority to hire out jets for private trips?); as well as the effectiveness of relying on adrenaline-junkie SWAT teams for jobs that demand patience, blending in, and other skills that are pretty much the opposite of their training."
"That last point turns out to be a relevant one. As theNew York Times reports, the issue grew after Wilkins performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the National Rifle Association's annual Atlanta conference in the spring. The assembled SWAT team had flown in on little notice and were given even fewer directions. They left the party early, and it kind of seems like they were just bored. This led Patel to a meltdown, reportedly about safety, communication, and have you guys even protected someone before? (Mostly, it seems, they hadn't.)"
Kash Patel has relied on FBI SWAT teams and chartered flights to provide protection for himself and his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins. DC ethics officials, reporters, and conservative commentators criticized the taxpayer cost, possible abuses of authority, and whether the FBI director has authority to hire jets for private trips. Critics also questioned the tactical suitability of SWAT teams for protective work that requires patience and blending in. The controversy intensified after Wilkins sang the national anthem at the NRA's Atlanta conference, where a hastily flown SWAT detail reportedly received poor direction and left early. So far this year Patel has used FBI resources for 12 personal trips.
Read at Consequence
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