FBI Debunks MS NOW Report Claiming Director Patel Visited Russia
The FBI publicly corrected a broadcast report that claimed Director Kash Patel was in Russia, providing photographic evidence of his attendance at a law enforcement event in Virginia.
The FBI has publicly refuted a report by MS NOW that incorrectly stated Director Kash Patel had landed in Russia for undisclosed meetings. The agency countered the broadcast's claims by sharing images of Patel participating in a law enforcement appreciation event in Lynchburg, Virginia.
MS NOW justice and intelligence correspondent Ken Dilanian had reported that two sources confirmed Patel's arrival in Russia on Wednesday. Dilanian stated on air that FBI sources were concerned about the trip due to its unknown nature and potential security risks, such as attempts to penetrate Patel's devices.
Shortly after the initial report, an FBI-affiliated social media account posted images of Patel at the Virginia event, accompanied by the statement, "Here's where Kash Patel actually is… Liberty U, doing a law enforcement appreciation event. MS Now's 'sources' are 'familiar' with NOTHING!"
FBI Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs Ben Williamson also commented on the discrepancy, noting the surreal experience of seeing the MS NOW report while simultaneously receiving photos of Patel in Virginia. He confirmed Patel's presence at the law enforcement appreciation event.
Approximately two and a half hours after the initial broadcast, Dilanian issued a correction on air. He apologized for the error, stating that Patel did not land in Russia and remained in the U.S. Dilanian also mentioned that the FBI had not responded to his inquiry about Patel's whereabouts prior to the original report.
The incident occurs amidst ongoing tensions between the administration and MS NOW. Last month, the administration had banned MS NOW, CNN, and Politico from White House grounds, citing allegations of purposefully spreading "fake news." A federal judge later blocked this ban, though reports suggest the administration plans to appeal.
Furthermore, Patel's fiancé, Alexis Wilkins, has filed a lawsuit against MS NOW, naming Dilanian as a defendant, for allegedly using unreliable sources to disseminate false allegations against her.