It has been reported that FBI Director Kash Patel's girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, is being protected by an FBI security detail.
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As reported by MS NOW, those protecting the "Country Back" singer are elite agents typically assigned to an FBI SWAT team at the Nashville field office. Some are concerned that these agents would be unable to respond or be delayed in responding to more pressing incidents.
"Ms. Wilkins is receiving a protective detail because she has faced hundreds of credible death threats related to her relationship with Director Patel, whom she has been dating for three years. Out of respect for her safety, we will not be providing additional details," a statement from the FBI read.
How Did Kash Patel Meet Alexis Wilkins?
Patel and Wilkins began dating in 2023. They met at an event at a friend's house in Nashville, prior to his appointment as FBI Director. PEOPLE reported that she appreciated that he was "so honest."
"We both are very patriotic, so obviously there are things there that we definitely agree on," she added.
The couple does not live together, but they've been known to travel with each other occasionally. Patel resides in Las Vegas, though he often travels to Washington for work.
This News Has Some Analysts Upset
Critics argue that allocating an FBI security detail to Wilkins is an abuse of power and misuses government resources.
Christopher O'Leary, a former senior FBI agent, stated, "There is no legitimate justification for this level of security. Wilkins is not Patel's spouse and does not share his household or city."
This is not the first time that Patel has been criticized for using FBI resources for Wilkins. Earlier this month, he responded to those who criticized his use of a jet to see her perform.
"Let me be clear: we will not be distracted by baseless rumors or the noise from uninformed internet anarchists and the fake news," Patel wrote. "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. The disgustingly baseless attacks against Alexis — a true patriot and the woman I'm proud to call my partner in life — are beyond pathetic."
