FBI DirectorKash Patelhas denied reports on his "erratic behaviour" after an article published on Friday discussed an alleged incident when he had a "freak-out" over not being able to access an internal computer system. According to "more than two dozen people" interviewed by The Atlantic, Patel was "suspicious of others and prone to jumping to conclusions before he had necessary evidence." The article claimed that colleagues are alarmed by what they describe as erratic behaviour andexcessive drinking, some of whom dubbed it a national-security vulnerability.
"News of his emotional outburst ricocheted through the bureau, prompting chatter among officials and, in some corners of the building, expressions of relief. The White House fielded calls from the bureau and from members of Congress asking who was now in charge of the FBI," The Atlantic report claimed.
The article also alleged that Patel "on multiple occasions" was seemingly intoxicated, and his security detail had difficulty waking him. The outlet notes a reported incident where his detail needed to request "breaching equipment" last year to get to him behind his locked doors.
In a post to X on Friday night, Patel posted, "see you and your entire entourage of false reporting in court... But do keep at it with the fake news, actual malice standard is now what some would call a legal lay up."
His post included what appears to be a screenshot of an email from Benjamin Williamson, assistant director for public affairs at the FBI, seemingly responding to The Atlantic reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick, saying in part that "this is one of the most absurd things I've ever read."
The report came amid mounting backlash against the FBI Director. Patel also faced backlash in February during the Olympics when he was seen celebrating with Team USA following the national hockey team’s gold medal win.
White House and senior Justice Department officials have publicly defended Patel’s performance and impact.
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