FBI opens criminal leak probe tied to explosive Atlantic story on Kash Patel allegations

WASHINGTON, DC: The Federal Bureau of Investigation has reportedly launched an unusual criminal leak inquiry tied to an article that accused Director Kash Patel of heavy drinking and erratic behavior, according to a new MS NOW report published Wednesday, May 7.

 The alleged investigation centers on sourcing used by 'The Atlantic' reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick, whose April report raised serious questions about Patel’s conduct inside the bureau.

Leak investigation into Atlantic report

According to reporting by MS NOW, federal agents assigned to an insider-threats unit in Huntsville, Alabama, were tasked with examining how Fitzpatrick obtained information used in her article, which cited more than two dozen anonymous sources.

The report described multiple alleged episodes of Patel appearing intoxicated in public settings, meetings being delayed after late nights and one incident in which his security team allegedly considered requesting breaching equipment after he became unreachable behind locked doors.

People familiar with the matter told MS NOW the inquiry was unusual because it reportedly did not involve classified disclosures, the kind of cases typically associated with leak probes.

The report described discomfort among agents allegedly assigned to the matter, saying they felt trapped between following orders and risking professional fallout.

The FBI, however, publicly pushed back on the reporting. Spokesperson Ben Williamson called the claims “completely false” and denied that any such investigation exists. 

Patel denies allegations by 'The Atlantic' report

Patel has aggressively denied the claims made in Fitzpatrick’s article and has already filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against 'The Atlantic' and its reporter, arguing the story was built on falsehoods and anonymous attacks. The magazine has stood by its reporting.

In a statement to MS NOW, Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg said that if reports of an FBI investigation into one of its reporters are confirmed, it would represent “an outrageous, illegal, and dangerous attack on the free press.”

He added: “We will defend The Atlantic and its staff vigorously, we will not be intimidated by illegitimate investigations or other acts of politically motivated retaliation, we will continue to cover the FBI professionally, fairly and thoroughly and we will continue to practice journalism in the public interest.”

The latest controversy follows earlier reports that FBI officials had scrutinized other journalists who published stories critical of Patel, adding to concerns among media advocates about escalating tensions between the bureau and the press.