FBI Director Kash Patel expressed his anger after a SWAT team he assigned to protect his girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins, abandoned her during her performance of the national anthem at a National Rifle Association (NRA) convention. Wilkins, a 27-year-old country singer, was performing in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center in late April 2023 when the incident occurred.
Patel had arranged for the SWAT team to provide security for Wilkins following numerous death threats aimed at her due to their relationship. According to a statement from the FBI, “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.” The agency emphasized that additional details would not be disclosed for her safety.
During the NRA event, the agents left before Wilkins completed her performance. This decision reportedly infuriated Patel, who confronted the team after learning they had departed early. The situation has drawn public scrutiny, particularly regarding the appropriateness of Wilkins receiving a security detail as the partner of a high-ranking official.
Critics have noted that it is uncommon for the partners of agency heads to receive such protection. Among them is Kyle Seraphin, a former FBI agent turned conservative podcaster, who has raised questions about Patel’s use of government resources to be with Wilkins during his tenure.
In defense of Wilkins, Patel took to X (formerly Twitter) to address the criticism. He described the negative remarks aimed at her as “disgustingly baseless” and praised her as “a true patriot” and “a rock-solid conservative.” He further stated, “I’m so blessed she’s in my life,” highlighting his support for her amid the controversy.
The incident underscores the complexities surrounding personal relationships in high-stakes government positions, where public perception and security concerns often clash. The FBI has not provided further details about the threats against Wilkins, maintaining focus on her safety and the necessity of protection.
