FBI Director Kash Patel told the Senate Judiciary Committee the bureau has removed staff involved in political weaponization and achieved a record drop in the murder rate, while also confirming the arrest of all individuals on the FBI’s Most Wanted list.
The hearing focused on the FBI’s response to allegations of politicized law enforcement and its efforts to refocus on violent crime, amid sharp partisan exchanges over the bureau’s leadership and recent high-profile investigations.
Patel said the FBI held "bad actors accountable" for political weaponization under the Biden administration, specifically referencing the removal of individuals involved in the 2023 Catholic memo and other intelligence abuses. The memo, which targeted a Latin Mass congregation in Richmond, Virginia, was later rescinded by the FBI after public backlash. Patel told senators, "If you participate in that sort of conduct, we removed you."
"Having been targeted myself by weaponization of law enforcement, we went after it internally because the FBI needs to be accountable to the American citizens and not just execute and enforce the law."
— Kash Patel, FBI Director
Patel reported that the FBI had arrested all ten individuals on its Most Wanted list, surpassing the prior administration’s record. He also cited the Uniform Crime Report, stating, "We delivered the largest reduction in the murder rate in the history of America."
Internal Reforms and Accountability
Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., pressed Patel for details on steps taken to remove political weaponization from the bureau. Patel responded that the FBI reviewed every individual involved in incidents such as the Catholic memo and intelligence malfeasance, ensuring those responsible were no longer with the agency. He declined to discuss ongoing investigations in public.
Patel’s testimony comes as the FBI faces scrutiny from lawmakers over past actions perceived as politically motivated, with some Republicans demanding reforms and greater transparency. The director emphasized that accountability measures were implemented internally, and that the bureau’s focus has shifted to violent crime and public safety.
SPLC Indictment and Ongoing Probe
Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., questioned Patel about the federal indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), a liberal group charged with wire fraud, false statements, and money laundering. The indictment alleges the SPLC funded extremist groups, including the Ku Klux Klan, by paying informants and opening fictitious bank accounts. Federal prosecutors claim the SPLC misled donors and propped up extremism, while the SPLC maintains the case is meritless and politically motivated.
Patel confirmed the FBI’s investigation into the SPLC is ongoing and stated that individuals knowingly participating in fraud could be held personally accountable. "There have been multiple indictments alleging that, as the indictments say, the SPLC utilized sources that they had hired to go into the very networks that they were supposed to stand up against and funneled fraudulent donations to submerge their activities," Patel said.
Partisan Clashes During Hearing
The hearing was marked by heated exchanges between Patel and Senate Democrats. Ranking Member Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., called Patel the "least qualified and most partisan FBI director in our nation’s history" and criticized the Justice Department’s handling of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Patel countered that the Trump administration released more information about Epstein than any other, prompting Durbin to note that Congress had to pass a law to force disclosure.
Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., accused Patel of pandering to former President Donald Trump, referencing Trump’s claims about election integrity. Patel responded, "What I believe in is the rule of law. Are you done with your campaign ad?" Patel also questioned Welch’s personal finances, leading to further confrontation.
Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., said the committee should have protested Patel’s remarks and called him "a lackey" and "a mockery." Patel replied, "You are the biggest mockery in the United States Senate." Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, intervened to maintain order, telling Booker, "Are you done now? Are you ready to shut up?"
Democrats on the committee criticized Patel’s leadership and questioned the FBI’s independence, while Patel and Republican members highlighted the bureau’s recent crime-fighting achievements and internal reforms. The SPLC has denied the charges against it, calling the case politically motivated.
