Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alongside 20 other attorneys general, has requested that the Senate Judiciary Committee further question Kash Patel, President Trump's nominee for FBI Director. This request comes amid reports of politically motivated dismissals within the FBI and efforts to identify agents involved in investigating the January 6th Capitol insurrection.

Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of an objective and nonpartisan FBI Director: “The Federal Bureau of Investigation plays a critical role in protecting public safety, and they are a crucial partner to state Departments of Justice as we work to tackle fentanyl, organized crime, white collar crime, and security threats to our communities.” He expressed concerns over recent actions by President Trump that contradict his stated commitment to law and order.

The letter sent by the attorneys general outlines concerns about potential purges within the FBI. It highlights reports indicating that more than a dozen senior officials were dismissed shortly after Patel's confirmation hearing. Furthermore, there is mention of an alleged directive from acting deputy attorney general Emil Bove for staff lists related to investigations concerning the Capitol riot.

Concerns extend beyond personnel changes. The letter states that firing over 6,000 FBI agents could negatively impact public safety nationwide. The attorneys general also criticize President Trump's pardoning actions involving over 1,500 individuals linked to the Capitol unrest.

The group insists on clarity regarding Mr. Patel's intentions with these compiled lists before any Senate confirmation vote proceeds: "Purging over 6,000 FBI agents and staff will have disastrous effects on public safety across the country and will make our communities more dangerous."

Among those joining Attorney General Bonta in this appeal are attorneys general from Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaiʻi, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan Minnesota Nevada New Jersey New Mexico New York Oregon Rhode Island Vermont Washington