FBI Director Kash Patel’s partner gets protective detail because of 'credible death threats'

WASHINGTON, DC: The FBI has confirmed that Alexis Wilkins, the girlfriend of FBI Director Kash Patel, is receiving a protective detail after facing “hundreds of credible death threats” tied to her relationship with him. Wilkins, a 27-year-old country singer, has been dating Patel for three years.

“Ms Wilkins is receiving a protective detail because she has faced hundreds of credible death threats related to her relationship with Director Patel,” an FBI spokesperson told NBC News, adding that no further details would be shared for safety reasons. MS NOW first reported the existence of the security detail on Monday, November 17.

Concerns over the deployment of SWAT-trained agents

According to MS NOW, Wilkins is being guarded by elite FBI agents normally assigned to a Nashville-based SWAT team, an unusual deployment, sources said.

They noted that they were unaware of any precedent in which a girlfriend of a senior FBI leader received a government-staffed protective detail.

While Wilkins spends significant time in Nashville for her career, she does not live with Patel. The pair met in the city and travel together periodically, though Patel maintains his legal residence in Las Vegas.

The report said that the use of SWAT-trained agents for Wilkins’ detail has raised operational concerns.

Agents assigned to personal protection may be unable or delayed to respond to crises such as mass shootings or terror incidents in the region, according to officials familiar with standard FBI protocol.

Wilkins, who attended Patel’s swearing-in ceremony in February, is the latest point of scrutiny for the bureau chief.

Patel has faced criticism in the past after reportedly using the FBI’s $60 million government jet to attend a Pennsylvania wrestling event where Wilkins performed the national anthem. An allegation denied by Patel as "fake news."

Kash Patel dismissed earlier media reports as 'baseless rumors'  

Patel, in an X post on November 2, had written, "Let me be clear: we will not be distracted by baseless rumors or the noise from uninformed internet anarchists and the fake news."

"I’ve always said- criticize me all you want. But going after the people doing great work, my personal life, or those around me is a total disgrace," he added.

He said disgustingly baseless attacks against Alexis, whom he called a “true patriot” and "partner in life," are beyond pathetic.

“Attacking her isn’t just wrong- it’s cowardly and jeopardizes our safety. My love of family will always be my cornerstone, and you will never tear that down or keep me from them,” he wrote.

However, the latest revelation immediately triggered political friction. Rep Eric Swalwell highlighted the report on social media, saying he wished no harm on Patel or Wilkins but accused the FBI director of refusing to extend similar protection to him and other Democratic lawmakers who have also received death threats.

“It’s just F’d up that he REFUSES to protect me and my kids from MULTIPLE specific death threats. Same for other Dem colleagues. Can only conclude he wants us dead,” he wrote.