Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with 19 other state attorneys general, has called on the Senate Judiciary Committee to demand further questioning of Kash Patel, President Donald Trump's nominee for FBI Director. The request was made in a letter sent to Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley and follows reports of politically-motivated firings at the FBI.
Raoul expressed concern over these developments, stating, "My office has proudly partnered with the FBI to combat theft, fraud, drug and gun trafficking, and other crimes that threaten the safety and well-being of Illinois communities." He emphasized the importance of FBI agents' work and described any retaliation against them as unacceptable. Raoul added that firing agents based on their case assignments could negatively impact public safety both in Illinois and nationwide. He insisted that Patel must address these concerns before his confirmation vote.
The coalition's letter highlights reports that more than a dozen high-ranking FBI officials were dismissed shortly after Patel's confirmation hearing. There are also allegations that additional high-ranking career officials may face termination or forced retirement. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove reportedly instructed staff to list all personnel involved in investigations related to the January 6 Capitol riots, potentially affecting over 6,000 agents.
The letter criticizes broader actions by the administration perceived as undermining law enforcement efforts. It mentions recent dismissals of United States Attorneys, pardons for rioters involved in attacks on Capitol Police officers, and attempts to cut funding for law enforcement agencies nationwide. The attorneys general argue these actions have compromised national safety.
Raoul and his colleagues insist Congress should intervene to protect public safety and hold the administration accountable. They believe requiring Patel to respond to questions about the alleged FBI purge is a necessary step before proceeding with his confirmation.
Attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington joined Raoul in this appeal.