FBI Director Kash Patel Faces Criticism for Using SWAT Agents to Guard Girlfriend (Source: @AdameMedia)
FBI Director Kash Patel has come under widespread criticism after reports revealed that highly trained SWAT agents and other agency resources were used to protect his girlfriend, country music artist Alexis Wilkins. Former senior FBI agent Christopher O’Leary told MS NOW that there was “no legitimate justification for this,” especially since Wilkins was “not his spouse, does not live in the same house or even the same city.” He also told that “Kash Patel's abusive and excessive use of the GV Jet for his personal adventures and the assignment of SWAT-qualified special agents to guard his girlfriend are indicative of his lack of leadership experience, judgment and humility.”
The most notable incident took place during the National Rifle Association convention in Atlanta, where Wilkins performed the national anthem. On Patel’s instructions, two SWAT officers from the local field office escorted her to the event. These agents are normally assigned to high-risk situations such as armed raids and hostage rescues.
Reports say that after determining the venue was secure and Wilkins faced no immediate threat, the agents left the area. Patel was allegedly angry and reprimanded the unit commander, arguing that security should not have been withdrawn and that communication was inadequate. Patel believed Wilkins, a well-known conservative voice, remained vulnerable due to previous online threats.
A similar situation unfolded in Utah in late September. After working extensively in response to the killing of conservative figure Charlie Kirk, SWAT agents in Salt Lake City were reassigned from their ongoing field duties to provide security for Wilkins at a political program, based on concerns that she could also become a potential target.
Ben Williamson, spokesperson for Patel, defended the decision to provide security, stating, “Ms. Wilkins is receiving a protective detail because she has faced hundreds of credible death threats related to her relationship with Director Patel.” He dismissed claims that Wilkins was safe at the NRA event, calling some of the criticisms “bad faith.”
The FBI told MS NOW, “Out of respect for her safety, we will not be providing additional details.” Wilkins had previously posted screenshots of threats online, including messages urging her to “take a bullet” or harm herself. One of these messages was dated February 22, 2025 just a day after Patel formally assumed office.
Patel has also been questioned for using the FBI’s official aircraft for personal travel. Although protocol requires him to use secure government planes for communication purposes, he has reportedly used the aircraft for private visits and recreational trips, including travel to see Wilkins.
In one such instance in October, Patel used the FBI jet to fly to State College, Pennsylvania, where Wilkins performed the national anthem at a Penn State wrestling event. The trip took place during a government shutdown. Conservative commentator Kyle Seraphin criticized the move, accusing Patel of using the jet simply to “hang out with his ‘chick.’” Patel later responded on X, calling the comments against Wilkins “disgustingly baseless” and describing her as “a true patriot and the woman I'm proud to call my partner in life.”
