During a House Oversight Committee hearing, Representative Jasmine Crockett (D) strongly criticized FBI Director Kash Patel, questioning both his qualifications and the bureau's handling of right-wing extremism under his leadership.
Crocket began by asserting her concerns over Patel's credentials.
"When I say that you are the least qualified FBI director in the history of the FBI, that is real," she affirmed. "You are the only one who never even served with the FBI prior to joining."
She went on to express her distrust in Patel's ability to address domestic threats, particularly from white supremacist groups. Crocket highlighted what she described as failures to effectively act on politically motivated threats.
"I don't know who feels safe in this country except for the white supremacist," Crockett assessed. "Because I specifically, as a Black woman, definately don't feel safe."
She further referenced a string of recent threats against members of Congress, including Republicans, to illustrate the widespread nature of political violence and her belief that federal law enforcement has failed to respond adequately. She cited specific examples of Republican lawmakers receiving death threats after voting against Rep. Jim Jordan for House Speaker.
Highlighting a recent domestic terrorism threat targeting HBCUs, Crockett asked why the FBI has remained silent. "The day after all of this took place, there was domestic terrorism that was taking place at HBCUs...Yet I didn't hear anything from the FBI," she noted.
"I've not heard anything out of you today that makes me believe that you're going to do anything about the white supremacy problem," she concluded.
Director Patel remained silent throughout her remarks and did not issue a rebuttal.
