UPDATE: FBI Director Kash Patel has just fired a top aviation official, Steven Palmer, amid rising scrutiny over his use of a government jet to attend a wrestling event where his girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins, performed. This shocking development comes as the U.S. government remains in shutdown, intensifying public outrage.
In a bold move on Saturday, Patel dismissed Palmer, a veteran of the FBI with 27 years of service, after flight logs revealed he flew to Pennsylvania for the Real American Freestyle wrestling event. Wilkins sang the national anthem at the event, raising eyebrows about the appropriateness of using government resources for personal engagements during a national crisis.
Patel took to social media, arguing against “uninformed internet anarchists and the fake news,” emphasizing, “Going after the people doing great work… is a total disgrace.” The backlash he faces is substantial, especially given the ongoing struggles Americans face amid the shutdown.
This firing marks the third head of the FBI’s Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG) to be dismissed since Patel took the helm in February. Critics, including controversial whistleblower Kyle Seraphin, have condemned Patel’s actions as hypocritical, especially after he had previously criticized his predecessor, Christopher Wray, for similar jet use.
Patel, who is classified as a “required use traveler” and must fly on specially equipped planes, maintains he reimburses the FBI for the cost of commercial tickets. However, operational expenses, including fuel and landing fees, are funded by taxpayers, further fueling the fire of public criticism.
The optics of the trip have drawn significant attention. Former FBI agent John Nantz stated, “He should have been a little more circumspect about making this such a public trip.” The timing of the flight has spurred conversations about ethical leadership during sensitive times.
As the situation unfolds, Patel’s defense of his girlfriend has added another layer to the controversy. He called Wilkins “a rock-solid conservative and a country music sensation,” stating, “Attacking her isn’t just wrong — it’s cowardly and jeopardizes our safety.” Wilkins is currently embroiled in a lawsuit against Seraphin, seeking $5 million in damages after he accused her of being a “honeypot” and an Israeli spy.
This story continues to develop, with Patel facing fierce criticism online and from media outlets. As he navigates this turmoil, the FBI’s internal dynamics and public perception remain under intense scrutiny.
Stay tuned for further updates as this urgent situation evolves, impacting not only the individuals involved but also the integrity of the FBI during a critical time in U.S. governance.
