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Durbin calls for investigation into Patel's aircraft use
Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin has accused FBI Director Kash Patel of misusing bureau aircraft, alleging the practice delayed critical responses to high-profile shootings in Utah and Rhode Island.
Whistleblower allegations surface
Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, cited a whistleblower report claiming Patel's travel disrupted FBI operations. The report alleges a shooting reconstruction team was grounded for at least a day in September after conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was killed on a Utah college campus, due to a pilot shortage linked to Patel's flights.
The same team reportedly drove from Quantico, Virginia, to Providence, Rhode Island, instead of flying after Patel allegedly placed a jet on standby. The delay occurred during a mass shooting at Brown University that left two students dead and nine wounded.
FBI denies delays, calls claims 'false'
FBI spokesman Ben Williamson dismissed the allegations as "egregious" and "false." On X, he wrote, "Kash was in DC on 9/10 and in New York the next day for the 9/11 ceremonies-not personal travel. Durbin and whoever he's speaking to are full of it."
Williamson also refuted claims about the Brown University response, calling them "misleading" and "ridiculous."
Patel defends Olympic trip amid scrutiny
Patel addressed criticism of his attendance at the Winter Olympics in Italy, where he celebrated with the U.S. men's hockey team after their victory over Canada. Footage showed him drinking beer and cheering with players in the locker room.
An FBI spokesperson said the trip included official meetings with Italian officials and had been planned for months. Patel told reporters he was "extremely humbled" to be with the team.
Past controversies resurface
Private jet use by FBI directors has faced scrutiny for years. In 2013, the Government Accountability Office reviewed flights by then-Director Robert Mueller and Attorney General Eric Holder after misuse allegations. Former directors James Comey and Christopher Wray also faced criticism for costly trips.
Before his appointment, Patel had criticized his predecessor for personal jet use. Now, he must reimburse the government for non-official travel at commercial ticket prices, per federal law.
Democrats push for accountability
Durbin urged the Government Accountability Office and Justice Department's inspector general to investigate Patel's jet usage, citing "multiple crises" facing federal law enforcement, including fallout from a cartel leader's killing in Mexico.
"The FBI cannot afford to have its resources stretched by a Director who views its staff and aircraft as a means to support his jet-setting lifestyle,"
Durbin in a letter to investigators
Congressional Democrats are also probing reports of Patel using FBI jets for personal trips, including a Pennsylvania concert by his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, and outings to a Texas hunting resort and a Scottish golf course.
