US Edition
NYT: FBI Investigated Reporter Who Covered Patel's Girlfriend
Agents interviewed Alexis Wilkins and queried reporter records before recommending a review of whether federal stalking laws were violated, officials said.
- In March, the FBI opened an inquiry into New York Times reporter Elizabeth Williamson following her February 28 article detailing FBI Director Kash Patel's use of bureau personnel to provide security for girlfriend Alexis Wilkins.
- Patel faced scrutiny for assigning a full-time SWAT security detail to Wilkins for personal engagements including singing appearances, intensifying questions about his use of taxpayer-funded federal resources.
- FBI agents queried databases for information on Williamson and recommended a preliminary investigation into possible stalking offenses after Wilkins told agents the reporting left her feeling harassed.
- Justice Department officials determined there was no legal basis to proceed, viewing the inquiry as retaliation for an article Patel did not like, and the FBI confirmed it is not pursuing a case.
- New York Times executive editor Joseph Kahn criticized the bureau's attempt to criminalize routine newsgathering, calling it a violation of the First Amendment and part of Patel's documented hostility toward the press.
38 Articles
38 Articles
The New York Times decries ‘alarming’ probe of reporter who wrote about FBI director’s girlfriend
By Brian Stelter, CNN (CNN) — The New York Times said the Federal Bureau of Investigation “began investigating” its reporter Elizabeth Williamson after she wrote a story involving FBI director Kash Patel titled “Patel’s girlfriend seeks fame and fortune, escorted by an FBI SWAT team.” Times executive editor Joe Kahn called the probe an “alarming” attempt by the FBI to “criminalize routine reporting.” And the Times only learned about it through a…
Washington. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began investigating a reporter for The New York Times after she revealed that the director of the agency used personnel to provide security and transportation to his girlfriend, the newspaper reported.
‘Alarming, unconstitutional’: NYT alleges FBI investigated reporter after story over Kash Patel’s girlfriend security
The New York Times says the FBI examined reporter Elizabeth Williamson after her Kash Patel story. FBI denies formal investigation and says no further action was taken.
New Twist in Kash Patel’s Duel With the Media: FBI Accused of Investigating Reporter Who Wrote Unflattering Article on His Girlfriend
After suing The Atlantic for $250 million and losing in court to an MSNBC contributor, Patel is now dogged by disclosure that the bureau probed a reporter.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 49% of the sources lean Left
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