Federal Bureau of Investigation

The FBI's Rapid Response account on X launched a social media attack on The Atlantic after the magazine filed a motion to dismiss Kash Patel's $250 million defamation lawsuit. The Atlantic argued Patel failed to plausibly allege actual malice in its April article, which reported that Patel drank to excess, delayed operations, and was often unreachable, raising national security concerns. The FBI account called The Atlantic a 'slop rag' with 'zero interest in real journalism.' The Atlantic also filed a motion to stay discovery except for Touhy requests, allowing it to seek documents from the FBI and DOJ. Editor Jeffrey Goldberg stated, 'If Director Patel did not want to face this process, he should not have filed this suit.' The article questions the appropriateness of a government agency defending its director in such a manner.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 03:06 PM UTC

The Department of Justice has launched a criminal investigation into Republican Representative Cory Mills of Florida, according to anonymous sources cited by MS NOW. The probe covers allegations of sexual misconduct, campaign finance violations, financial disclosure violations, accepting inappropriate gifts, and multiple ethics violations. The FBI has interviewed at least one person regarding Mills's finances. Mills told the outlet he was unaware of the investigation, noting that the Federal Election Commission had dismissed campaign finance allegations. The House Ethics Committee has been investigating Mills since November and was still gathering evidence as of May. Mills allegedly harassed his ex-girlfriend, former Miss United States Lindsey Langston, and threatened to release revenge porn. He also allegedly assaulted another woman, but faced no criminal consequences after the interim DC US attorney refused to sign an arrest warrant. Mills has ignored calls to resign, and House Republicans have not pursued expulsion. He is running for reelection in Florida's August primary and November general election.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 09:03 PM UTC

On July 16, 2026, President Donald Trump delivered a primetime address from the Oval Office, alleging that China stole 220 million U.S. voter files during the 2020 election and accusing the "deep state" of a cover-up. He also pushed the SAVE America Act voter ID bill and referenced renewed war with Iran. Major networks declined to air the speech, and critics dismissed the claims as baseless. Intelligence officials previously found no evidence of foreign interference altering election results.

28 reports · 12 sources · Updated Jul 17, 01:44 PM UTC

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a $200,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of Monica Witt, a former US Air Force intelligence specialist and counterintelligence agent. Witt was indicted in February 2019 by a federal grand jury in the District of Columbia on charges of transmitting national defense information to the Iranian government. Despite the indictment, she remains at large. The FBI alleges that Witt defected to Iran in 2013, betraying her oath to the Constitution. Her actions reportedly benefited the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) by providing sensitive classified data, including the identities of undercover US personnel, thereby putting American staff and their families abroad at risk. She also allegedly conducted research to help target her former colleagues. Having served in the military and as a government contractor between 1997 and 2010, Witt had access to top-secret information. The FBI urges anyone with knowledge of her whereabouts to contact the agency via phone, local offices, or online tips to help bring her to justice.

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The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a reward of $200,000 for information leading to the capture of Monica Witt, a former US Air Force intelligence expert accused of spying for Iran. Witt, who served in the Air Force from 1997 to 2008 and later as a defense contractor, is believed to have defected to Iran in 2013. The US Department of Justice indicted her in 2019 on charges of conspiring to share national defense information with a foreign government. Authorities allege that Witt had access to top-secret data regarding foreign intelligence and counterespionage operations. Specifically, she is accused of providing Iranian officials with the code name and mission details of a classified Pentagon program, as well as the identity of a US counter-espionage agent. The indictment suggests she was recruited by a dual US-Iranian citizen and attended a conference sponsored by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards in 2012 before moving to Iran in August 2013. The FBI continues to track Witt, emphasizing the ongoing threat posed by her potential support for Iranian activities and seeking public assistance to locate her.

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a reward of up to $200,000 for information leading to the location or arrest of Monica Witt, a former US Air Force officer and counterintelligence specialist. Witt is accused of defecting to Iran in 2013 and sharing classified US intelligence with the Iranian government, specifically working with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Charged in 2019 with espionage-related offenses, she has remained unaccounted for since her defection. Daniel Wierzbicki, special agent in charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterintelligence and Cyber Division, emphasized that the agency prioritizes this case and believes individuals may possess critical information regarding her whereabouts. Witt served in the US Air Force from 1997 to 2008 and later worked as a Department of Defense contractor until 2010. Authorities allege her defection was influenced by a trip to Iran for a conference critical of American values. The indictment also included four Iranian nationals charged with conspiracy and identity theft linked to cyber operations. This announcement marks a renewed effort by US authorities to locate Witt after more than a decade, highlighting the ongoing significance of this high-profile counterintelligence investigation involving alleged aid to a geopolitical adversary.

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A recent report reveals that FBI Director Kash Patel participated in a exclusive snorkeling tour around the USS Arizona wreckage at Pearl Harbor during an August visit to Hawaii. The site, which serves as a final resting place for over 900 sailors and Marines killed in the 1941 attack, is strictly off-limits to tourists and even most victims' families to preserve its sanctity and structural integrity. While the FBI initially stated Patel was in Hawaii for official business involving meetings with local law enforcement, emails obtained via the Freedom of Information Act indicate he returned two days after his official duties concluded specifically for this underwater excursion. An FBI spokesperson defended the activity as part of national security engagements in the Indo-Pacific theater, hosted by the IndoPacom Commander. However, the National Park Service denied involvement, and Navy officials provided conflicting statements regarding the normalcy of such visits. The incident has sparked significant backlash, with veterans criticizing the move as disrespectful to hallowed ground, comparing it to holding a party at a church. This controversy adds to recent scrutiny of Patel’s use of government resources for personal leisure activities.

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FBI Director Kash Patel participated in a exclusive VIP snorkeling excursion around the USS Arizona memorial at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, according to a report by the Associated Press. The incident occurred last summer while Patel was returning from official diplomatic visits to New Zealand and Australia. Government emails and flight tracking data indicate that Patel stayed in Hawaii for two days, though the FBI did not disclose this stop in its initial press release. While such tours are typically reserved for high-ranking military officials and dignitaries for educational purposes, sources note that no FBI director has engaged in this activity since at least 1993. This report adds to growing scrutiny regarding Patel’s conduct, including allegations of mixing personal leisure with official duties, excessive alcohol consumption, and misuse of government resources like FBI jets. Although Navy spokespersons confirmed the excursion took place, they declined to specify who initiated it. Patel has faced recent political pressure, including clashes with Senator Chris Van Hollen over unverified alcohol use disorder tests, while President Donald Trump has publicly defended him despite reported frustrations with his behavior.

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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Lakhan Jaiprakash Jagwani, a key suspect in a major transnational cyber-enabled financial fraud scheme. The case, registered in December 2025, involves a syndicate that operated illegal call centers across India, specifically in Delhi and Noida, since 2022. The accused impersonated officials from prominent U.S. government agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Social Security Administration. Using pseudonymous identities, the perpetrators targeted U.S. nationals through fraudulent phone calls, emails, and Voice over IP (VoIP) communications. This sophisticated operation resulted in victims being swindled out of approximately $8.5 million. Prior to this arrest, the CBI had raided an illegal call center in Noida, seizing ₹1.88 crore in cash. The investigation highlights the ongoing issue of cross-border cybercrime originating from South Asia targeting Western citizens. The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in dismantling the network responsible for these high-value financial crimes, demonstrating coordinated efforts by Indian law enforcement to combat international fraud syndicates.

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The FBI has announced a reward of up to $200,000 for information leading to the arrest of Monica Witt, a former U.S. counterintelligence agent accused of espionage. Witt, who fled to Iran in 2013, is charged with transferring classified national defense information, including the identities of covert operatives, to the Iranian government. In a separate initiative, the U.S. Department of State offered rewards of up to $15 million for information on six individuals associated with Kimia Part Sevan (KIPAS), identified as the drone production arm of the IRGC’s Quds Force. These individuals are accused of developing and supplying drones used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Additionally, the State Department previously announced a $10 million reward for information on Hashem Finian Rahim al-Siraji, leader of the Iran-affiliated militia Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada. These announcements highlight ongoing U.S. efforts to counter Iranian intelligence operations and military capabilities through financial incentives for actionable intelligence.

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FBI Director Kash Patel has not publicly released the results of an alcohol use disorder identification test, despite promising to do so during a contentious Senate hearing. The challenge was issued by Senator Chris Van Hollen, who completed and posted his own test results on social media after accusing Patel of excessive drinking affecting his official duties. Van Hollen cited a report alleging Patel’s security detail struggled to wake him after nights of heavy drinking. Although Patel agreed to take the same World Health Organization-developed screening if Van Hollen did, he has remained silent more than 24 hours after the senator’s disclosure. The White House defended Patel by highlighting crime reduction statistics under his leadership but declined to address the specific alcohol allegations directly. This incident follows previous controversies, including Patel’s public beer consumption with the Olympic hockey team and alleged misuse of government resources. While President Trump reportedly expressed private frustration over Patel’s conduct, the administration continues to support him publicly. Van Hollen emphasized that while private behavior is personal, it becomes unacceptable when it compromises the ability to serve the American people effectively.

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President Donald Trump is reportedly close to settling a $10 billion lawsuit he filed against the Internal Revenue Service regarding the leak of his tax returns. The article characterizes this move as a shameless attempt to extract taxpayer money, noting that Trump is negotiating with the executive branch he currently leads. In addition to the IRS suit, Trump has filed two administrative claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act seeking $230 million total for alleged FBI misconduct during the Russiagate probe and Mar-a-Lago search. A federal judge recently highlighted the legal contradiction of a sitting president suing entities under his direction, ordering both sides to address whether a valid case controversy exists by May 20. To avoid this judicial scrutiny, negotiations have accelerated. Reports suggest the settlement may involve dropping ongoing IRS audits of Trump and his businesses rather than a direct cash payment, effectively providing indemnification against future tax penalties. Critics argue this arrangement lacks transparency and benefits Trump personally while bypassing standard legal and ethical constraints associated with presidential conduct.

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The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented a new vetting protocol requiring the resubmission of fingerprints for pending immigration cases to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s upgraded background check system. This mandate, effective from late April 2026, applies to various filings including permanent residency adjustments, naturalization petitions, asylum applications, and employment authorization requests. Consequently, significant processing delays are occurring as officials await updated FBI clearances, even for applicants who had previously cleared biometric checks. Immigration attorneys warn that this broadened search scope may intensify scrutiny over minor or historical interactions found in criminal databases, potentially affecting individuals without convictions. There are also concerns that these measures could disproportionately impact immigrants from specific regions subject to heavier surveillance. The FBI’s enhanced name-check system now examines multiple name variations and phonetic spellings, where even indirect mentions in investigative records can trigger manual secondary reviews. This development reflects the Trump administration's continued tightening of immigration screening and expanded enforcement measures across legal immigration pathways, creating uncertainty and prolonged wait times for applicants navigating the US immigration system.

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Seventeen individuals, including fifteen immigrants and two U.S. citizens, have filed administrative claims seeking millions of dollars in damages following a violent military-style immigration raid in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood. The operation, conducted by federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE, FBI, and other agencies on September 30, involved warrantless entries into apartments. Claimants allege severe physical injuries, such as dog bites and beatings, emotional trauma, and property destruction. Notable accounts include a Nigerian man attacked by a police dog and a Venezuelan family held at gunpoint. Lawyers representing the victims argue the actions were unlawful and aim to hold the federal government accountable under the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. Each claimant seeks approximately $5 million. In response, a DHS spokesperson asserted the operation complied with the law and protected public safety, denying liability for compensation. These claims, filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act, represent a significant legal challenge to federal enforcement tactics, highlighting allegations of excessive force and constitutional violations during the midnight operation.

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Reports indicate that the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the leadership of Kash Patel, has established a specialized unit internally referred to as the 'payback squad.' This team, officially known as the Director’s Advisory Team, was created in 2025 to investigate alleged abuses of power by previous administrations. However, sources suggest its primary function is pursuing political targets identified by the Trump administration, mirroring the case built against former FBI Director James Comey. The unit operates off-site, detached from standard field offices, with agents recruited from New York and Washington. This development coincides with broader structural shifts within US law enforcement agencies to align with President Trump’s agenda. Over 6,000 FBI agents were reassigned to immigration matters, while the Department of Justice dropped thousands of criminal cases involving terrorism and white-collar crime to prioritize immigration prosecutions. Similarly, the Department of Defense and Homeland Security have diverted significant resources toward border security and deportation efforts. Critics argue these actions undermine the long-term missions of these agencies and contradict promises to focus only on dangerous criminals, instead facilitating political retribution and mass deportations of non-criminal immigrants.

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The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a nearly 14 percent decline in drug overdose deaths in 2025, marking the third consecutive year of decrease. Approximately 70,000 deaths were recorded, down from over 81,000 in 2024 and significantly lower than the pandemic peak of 110,000 in 2022. Experts attribute this positive trend to increased availability of naloxone, wider use of fentanyl testing strips, and regulatory changes in China limiting precursor chemicals. However, the decline was not uniform, with seven states, including Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico, experiencing increases of 10 percent or more. The Trump administration has cited these figures as validation of its aggressive crackdown on drug trafficking, with officials like FBI Director Kash Patel and former Attorney General Pam Bondi making controversial claims about lives saved through seizures. Conversely, critics note that the administration has cut funding for preventive measures, such as government-paid testing strips. Despite the overall improvement, health experts remain cautiously optimistic, emphasizing that overdose crises persist as a major public health challenge requiring sustained intervention and access to treatment services across all regions.

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Thai police detained 58-year-old American Joseph Frances Chinnock, also known as Joseph Kelly, in Chiang Mai on May 12 following a request from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Chinnock is wanted in the United States on an arrest warrant for three counts of assault and three counts of stalking. The FBI described him as a serious threat, alleging behaviors involving the sexual stalking and harassment of women and children. His US passport had previously been cancelled by the US Embassy. Immigration authorities discovered that Chinnock entered Thailand on March 23, 2026, using a Privilege Entry visa. After locating him at a condominium in the Suthep subdistrict, officers revoked his visa and took him into custody for further legal proceedings. This arrest aligns with a recent directive from National Police Chief Kittirat Phanphet to dismantle illegal foreign criminal networks within three months. The operation highlights ongoing cooperation between Thai Immigration Police, the FBI, and international agencies to suppress transnational crime. In a related development, Thai police also arrested a foreign hacker wanted by the FBI in Phuket for cyberattacks against government networks in Europe and the US.

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FBI Director Kash Patel faced intense scrutiny from Democratic lawmakers during a Senate budget panel hearing regarding allegations of excessive drinking and poor judgment. The accusations stem from a recent Atlantic magazine report detailing instances of conspicuous inebriation and unexplained absences, which critics argue undermined national security and betrayed public trust. This marked Patel’s first congressional appearance since the report's publication and a controversial beer-drinking celebration at the Milan Winter Olympics. Patel vehemently denied the allegations, labeling the report a total farce and noting his ongoing defamation lawsuit against the magazine. He defended his leadership by highlighting statistical improvements, including a decrease in violent crime and an increase in FBI arrests, while advocating for the Trump administration's proposed $12.5 billion budget for 2027. Tensions escalated when Patel accused Senator Chris Van Hollen of hypocrisy, referencing the senator's taxpayer-funded trip to El Salvador. The hearing underscored deep partisan divisions over Patel's tenure and conduct as the head of the premier US law enforcement agency.

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Former FBI Director James Comey appeared on the program "Here's the Scoop" to address ongoing debates regarding the politicization of the Department of Justice. During the interview, Comey firmly stated that he does not regret his handling of the 2016 investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. He specifically disputed criticisms suggesting that his actions during that period initiated a detrimental shift toward political bias within the justice system. Comey argued against the narrative that his decisions were the catalyst for the current polarized environment surrounding federal law enforcement agencies. By reflecting on his tenure and the specific choices made during the 2016 election cycle, the former director sought to clarify his motivations and defend the integrity of the FBI's operations at that time. This appearance highlights the enduring controversy surrounding the 2016 election investigations and their long-term impact on public trust in American institutions. The discussion provides insight into Comey's personal stance amidst continued political scrutiny and debate over the role of law enforcement in high-stakes political matters.

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FBI Director Kash Patel faced intense scrutiny from Democratic lawmakers during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on May 12, 2026, regarding reports of excessive drinking affecting his leadership. The allegations, originally published by The Atlantic magazine, claimed instances of conspicuous inebriation and unexplained absences. Patel angrily dismissed the report as a "total farce" and defended his performance, citing decreased violent crime and increased arrests under his tenure. He also highlighted his ongoing defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic. During the exchange, Senator Chris Van Hollen criticized Patel's conduct as a betrayal of public trust. In response, Patel accused Van Hollen of inappropriate behavior during a 2025 trip to El Salvador, a claim the senator rebutted as provably false. The hearing, held in Washington D.C., primarily focused on the Trump administration's proposed $12.5 billion budget for the FBI for fiscal year 2027, but was dominated by these personal and professional controversies surrounding the Director's fitness for office.

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FBI Director Kash Patel engaged in a heated confrontation with a Democratic senator during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill. The incident occurred while Patel was testifying regarding the FY2027 budget request for federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, DEA, and ATF. During the session, Patel angrily responded to allegations suggesting that he consumes alcohol excessively while on duty and has been unreachable by staff at various times. He firmly rejected these claims, describing them as unequivocally and categorically false. The exchange highlighted tensions between the FBI leadership and congressional overseers. The hearing, held in Washington, D.C., focused on funding requirements for key justice department components under the administration of President Donald Trump. This public clash underscores the scrutiny faced by high-ranking officials regarding personal conduct and professional reliability. The event drew significant attention due to the direct nature of Patel's rebuttal and the serious implications of the accusations made by the lawmaker during the official budget proceedings.

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Eileen Wang, the former Mayor of Arcadia, California, has admitted to acting as an unregistered agent of the People’s Republic of China. The case involves a multi-year operation where Wang and her ex-fiancé, Yaoning “Mike” Sun, operated a propaganda website called U.S. News Center under the direction of Chinese handler John Chen. Federal investigations beginning in 2017 revealed that the trio published pro-Beijing materials and targeted dissidents while Wang pursued local political office. Wang won a City Council seat in 2022 and became Mayor in February 2025. However, following the arrest and sentencing of Chen and Sun for related crimes, federal charges against Wang were unsealed in May 2025. She subsequently resigned from her position as Mayor and City Council member. Wang has signed a plea deal and faces up to ten years in federal prison. This timeline highlights the intersection of foreign interference and local American politics, detailing the legal proceedings against all three conspirators involved in the covert influence campaign directed by Beijing.

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Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, May 12, to provide testimony regarding the agency's operations and budget. This high-profile hearing serves as a critical opportunity for lawmakers to question the FBI Director on matters of national security, law enforcement priorities, and federal spending allocations. As the head of the nation's primary federal investigative agency, Patel's statements are closely monitored by political leaders and the public alike. The testimony likely covered ongoing investigations, counterintelligence efforts, and the strategic direction of the FBI under his leadership. Given the political nature of such confirmations and oversight hearings, the event underscores the intersection of law enforcement and legislative governance in the United States. The coverage, originally reported by Breitbart News, highlights the significance of this procedural event in the American political calendar, offering insights into how the executive branch's law enforcement capabilities are scrutinized by the legislative branch. This interaction is vital for maintaining accountability and transparency within federal agencies.

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House Judiciary Committee Democrats, led by Representative Jamie Raskin, have released findings from an investigation alleging that the Department of Justice approved over one million dollars in settlements to former FBI agents who were previously dismissed. The report accuses the Trump administration of improperly distributing government funds to employees who had been fired due to alarming conduct. Raskin contends that these payments were authorized behind closed doors, bypassing standard oversight procedures. The accusation highlights a significant political conflict between Democratic lawmakers and the previous administration regarding the management of federal law enforcement personnel and financial accountability. The investigation suggests that the Justice Department facilitated these payouts despite the serious nature of the misconduct that led to the agents' terminations. This development underscores ongoing tensions surrounding the integrity of federal institutions and the handling of internal disciplinary matters within the FBI during the Trump era. The Hill reported on these allegations, bringing attention to the specific financial figures and the procedural criticisms leveled by the House Judiciary Democrats against the Department of Justice and its leadership under the former administration.

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A federal judge has scheduled a July 15 trial for former FBI Director James Comey, who faces criminal charges for allegedly threatening President Donald Trump through an Instagram post featuring seashells arranged to form the numbers '86 47'. Prosecutors argue this configuration, interpreted as slang for removing or killing the 47th president, constituted a serious threat. In response, Trump denounced Comey as a 'dirty cop' on Truth Social, reinforcing his long-standing criticism of the former official. Comey, who was fired by Trump in 2017, denies the allegations, characterizing the indictment as political retribution during Trump's second term. He is set for arraignment on June 30 in North Carolina, where he plans to plead not guilty. This case highlights escalating tensions between the Trump administration and its political opponents, following similar investigations into figures like Letitia James and Adam Schiff. Reports indicate internal dissent within the Justice Department, with several prosecutors reportedly demoted or removed due to the controversial pursuit of charges against Comey. The trial will be overseen by U.S. District Judge Louise Flanagan.

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Shamim Mafi, a 44-year-old Iranian national and US green card holder residing in Woodland Hills, California, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport in April 2026. Federal agents intercepted her as she attempted to board a flight to Turkey, fearing she would flee the country. Mafi is charged with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for allegedly brokering lethal weapons deals on behalf of Iran. Prosecutors claim she facilitated the sale of Mohajer-6 armed drones, bomb fuses, ammunition, and other military hardware to Sudan’s Ministry of Defense through her Oman-based shell company, Atlas International Business LLC. The primary transaction involved a contract worth over $72.5 million, for which Mafi reportedly received more than $7 million. Payments were allegedly structured to evade detection using informal money-exchange systems and cash deliveries. This case highlights the extent of Iranian intelligence networks within the United States, particularly in Southern California. Mafi has not entered a plea and remains in custody awaiting a detention hearing, while authorities investigate her role as a potential linchpin in a broader global arms pipeline.

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