Kash dislikes piece on GF; FBI probes scribe

Washington: FBI launched a probe into NYT reporter Elizabeth Williamson following an article she wrote regarding bureau director Kash Patel. The report alleged Patel used bureau personnel to provide his girlfriend Ale­xis Wilkins with government security and transportation. Agents interviewed Wilkins and searched databases to determine if Williamson had violated federal stalking laws. 

Justice Dept officials reportedly expressed concern that the investigation was an act of retaliation for reporting that Patel and Wilkins disliked, ultimately determining there was no legal basis for the probe. FBI has not denied the reporting but told the newspaper investigators were concerned about “aggressive reporting techniques”.

The bureau also confirmed it is not currently pursuing a case against the journalist. This probe into a reporter for a critical article is considered rare, as the bureau typically only investigates journalists in cases involving leaked classified information. 

The incident comes amid a broader administration-wide offensive against the free press over 16 months, with critics suggesting such retaliatory actions against the media are intensifying.