US EditionNYT: FBI Investigated Reporter Who Covered Patel's Girlfriend
Agents interviewed Alexis Wilkins and queried reporter records before recommending a review of whether federal stalking laws were violated, officials said.
- In March, the FBI opened an inquiry into New York Times reporter Elizabeth Williamson following her February 28 article detailing FBI Director Kash Patel's use of bureau personnel to provide security for girlfriend Alexis Wilkins.
- Patel faced scrutiny for assigning a full-time SWAT security detail to Wilkins for personal engagements including singing appearances, intensifying questions about his use of taxpayer-funded federal resources.
- FBI agents queried databases for information on Williamson and recommended a preliminary investigation into possible stalking offenses after Wilkins told agents the reporting left her feeling harassed.
- Justice Department officials determined there was no legal basis to proceed, viewing the inquiry as retaliation for an article Patel did not like, and the FBI confirmed it is not pursuing a case.
- New York Times executive editor Joseph Kahn criticized the bureau's attempt to criminalize routine newsgathering, calling it a violation of the First Amendment and part of Patel's documented hostility toward the press.
65 Articles
65 Articles
FBI Director Kash Patel, New York Times clash over paper's claim its reporter was 'investigated'
FBI Director Kash Patel is pushing back against allegations made by The New York Times that the agency "investigated" its reporter following a story involving Patel's girlfriend Ashley Wilkins.
By Brian Stelter, CNN. The New York Times reported that the FBI “launched an investigation” into its reporter Elizabeth Williamson after she published an article about FBI Director Kash Patel titled “Patel’s girlfriend seeks fame and fortune, escorted by FBI SWAT team.” Times executive editor Joe Kahn called the investigation an “alarming” attempt by the FBI to “criminalize routine journalism.” The Times learned of the investigation from a confi…
Writing About the FBI Director's Girlfriend Now Warrants an FBI Investigation
For the second time this week—and perhaps the 827th time this year—Kash Patel is in the headlines to demonstrate what happens when you put an incompetent conspiracy-theory podcaster in charge of the FBI. On Wednesday, the New York Times revealed that after the outlet reported on Patel’s girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins, in February, he’s since used the bureau—friendly reminder: the literal top federal law enforcement agency in the country—to try and …
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