Mercer Times

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, along with a coalition of 19 attorneys general, has called on the Senate to demand further questioning of Kash Patel, President Trump's nominee for FBI Director. The request comes amid reports of politically motivated dismissals within the FBI and efforts to compile a list of agents involved in investigating the January 6th Capitol riots.

Attorney General Platkin stated, "Kash Patel has a long history of defending the January 6th insurrectionists who attacked our Capitol and violently assaulted law enforcement officers." He expressed concern that the Trump Administration's actions could undermine the FBI's role in combating illegal activities and protecting public safety.

The coalition's letter to Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley highlights reports that over a dozen high-ranking FBI officials were fired following Patel's confirmation hearing. It also mentions concerns about plans to compile a list of staff involved in investigations related to the Capitol riots. The attorneys general emphasize that it is crucial for Patel to address these issues before any confirmation vote.

The letter further details allegations that "the Administration plans to fire at least six high-ranking career FBI officials if they do not retire," with instructions reportedly given by acting deputy attorney general Emil Bove. The attorneys general describe this as potentially being a "purge" of FBI employees.

Concerns extend beyond the FBI, as the letter criticizes broader attacks on law enforcement by the Trump administration. It notes recent firings of United States Attorneys, pardons for rioters involved in violence against Capitol Police Officers, and funding cuts for law enforcement nationwide.

The coalition urges Congress to scrutinize these actions and ensure accountability from administration officials regarding pardons and case dismissals related to January 6th rioters. They argue that such measures could harm public safety.

Joining New Jersey in this initiative are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaiʻi, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.