UPDATE: FBI Director Kash Patel has fired the head of the bureau’s aviation unit, Steven Palmer, just days after flight logs revealed Patel used a government jet to attend a Pennsylvania wrestling event where his girlfriend, country music singer Alexis Wilkins, performed the national anthem. This controversial decision is sparking outrage at a time when the government is in shutdown mode.
In a bold move, Patel dismissed Palmer, a seasoned 27-year FBI veteran, following the emergence of these flight logs published by Flightaware. The logs detail Patel’s travel to the Real American Freestyle wrestling event, raising eyebrows as Americans face economic hardships due to the ongoing government shutdown.
Patel took to social media to defend himself, stating, “Criticize me all you want, but going after the people doing great work, my personal life, or those around me is a total disgrace.” However, critics are quick to point out the poor optics of publicizing his trip amid national struggles.
This dismissal marks the third head of the Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG) to be removed since Patel took charge in February 2023. The FBI director faces mounting backlash from both the press and social media, largely fueled by right-wing commentator Kyle Seraphin, who derides Patel’s actions as hypocritical.
According to FBI spokesman Ben Williamson, Patel is required to reimburse the bureau for the cost of flying on the government plane. However, operational expenses, including fuel and landing fees, are covered by taxpayer money. Critics are questioning the appropriateness of his travel choices, especially when many Americans struggle to put food on the table.
Former FBI agent John Nantz noted that Patel should have exercised more discretion regarding the visibility of his trip. “Making this such a public event was not a wise decision,” he stated.
As the fallout continues, Patel has defended Wilkins, labeling her as “a rock-solid conservative and a country music sensation.” This follows Wilkins’ previous legal actions against Seraphin, who accused her of being a “honeypot” linked to espionage activities.
The controversy surrounding Patel’s jet use and the subsequent firing of Palmer raises questions about leadership within the FBI and the potential implications for Patel’s reputation as director. As social media discussions heat up, all eyes are on how Patel will navigate this precarious situation.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, as Patel’s actions and the public’s response could have significant implications for the FBI and its leadership moving forward.
