FBI director Kash Patel rides in new armored BMWs purchased at his request: Report

WASHINGTON, DC: The FBI reportedly bought a fleet of armored BMWs at the request of Director Kash Patel, who wanted a less noticeable alternative to the usual armored Chevrolet Suburbans.

A bureau spokesperson told MS NOW that the new BMW X5s were chosen as a cost-saving measure, saying they were cheaper than other options.

Reports confirm FBI purchases BMW X5s for Kash Patel

The FBI reported that it purchased BMW X5s for Director Kash Patel’s use. Patel requested the high-end BMWs to be 'less conspicuous' while traveling, according to four sources.

Spokesperson Ben Williamson said the agency had planned to update its vehicles and chose the BMWs as a cheaper option. However, he did not provide documents showing the cost or proving the switch saved money. 

“Government agencies, including the FBI, routinely evaluate, replace and update vehicle fleets based on usage, security needs or budgetary decisions,” Williamson said. “The specific decisions referenced in this article were evaluated partly as a way to save taxpayers millions by picking cheaper selections or making cost structures more efficient.”

The FBI highlighted a post by Williamson on X, in which he defended the purchase. Williamson wrote that the FBI needed to update four vehicles, a common practice for security agencies. He added that Patel selected a BMW $250,000 as it is cheaper than the traditional SUVs, saving taxpayers about $1 million.

Kash Patel becomes the first FBI director to use armored foreign-made vehicles

The government has a contract to buy armored BMWs, which the State Department uses to protect diplomats in high-risk areas. 

Kash Patel became the first FBI director to use armored foreign-made vehicles, even though the FBI has long relied on General Motors to supply Suburbans.

A source told that Patel still sometimes rides in a Suburban but argued he needed a 'more covert' way to travel.

Another source said a new armored Suburban would have cost the government $480,000, more than twice the price of the BMW, but did not explain why Patel needed a new vehicle at all.

Former FBI officials noted that previous directors often traveled in unarmored Suburbans in Washington, DC, because the area is considered low risk. 

Sources also reported that earlier this year Patel asked the FBI to buy a new jet for his use, but the plan was dropped when costs were estimated at $90 million to $115 million. These requests for luxury vehicles and a new jet add to growing questions about Patel’s judgment and use of taxpayer money.

Controversy grows over Kash Patel’s use of government funds

Kash Patel’s purchase of expensive new vehicles is the latest example of his controversial use of government funds. 

In October, he faced criticism for using an FBI-owned jet to travel and watch his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, perform the national anthem at a Penn State wrestling event.

The next month, MS NOW reported that Patel assigned SWAT team members to act as a security detail for Wilkins, a role usually reserved for spouses of top FBI officials.

Former FBI agent Christopher O’Leary, now a law enforcement contributor at MS NOW, said there was 'no legitimate justification' for diverting law enforcement resources to protect Wilkins.

He added, “This is a clear abuse of position and misuse of government resources,” noting that Wilkins is not Patel’s spouse and does not live with him. Wilkins lives in Nashville, while Patel maintains a home in Las Vegas and frequently travels to Washington, DC, for work.

During a September hearing, Vermont Sen Peter Welch questioned Patel about his personal travel, pointing out that ordinary FBI agents in Washington do not get to fly home on private jets. Patel responded that Congress requires him to use government jets. Welch shot back, “Well, we didn’t make it mandatory that you go to UFC games with Mel Gibson,” referencing a March MMA fight in Las Vegas that Patel attended.

Notably, Patel had previously criticized his predecessor, Christopher Wray, for using the FBI jet. In a 2023 episode of his podcast Kash’s Corner, Patel said he wanted to “ground Chris Wray’s private jet travel that he pays for with taxpayer dollars to hop around the country.”