FBI Investigated Times Reporter for Story on Patel's Girlfriend, Agency Says
The New York Times has reported that the Federal Bureau of Investigation opened an inquiry into one of its journalists, Elizabeth Williamson, following her article about federal agents assigned to protect and transport FBI Director Kash Patel's girlfriend. The investigation examined whether the reporter's conduct violated federal stalking statutes, according to the newspaper's account released Wednesday.
The FBI confirmed that its personnel met with country music performer Alexis Wilkins after she raised alarm about a threatening message she received subsequent to Williamson's publication roughly two months prior. The agency indicated it did not proceed beyond this initial step.
Investigation Details Emerge
According to The Times' Wednesday report, federal authorities conducted a records search concerning Williamson through government systems and proposed advancing the matter further. However, the Justice Department intervened and prevented any escalation, the newspaper stated.
The Times disclosed that it discovered this development only after receiving information from correspondent Michael S. Schmidt. The organization characterized the episode as deeply troubling.
"The FBI's attempt to criminalize routine reporting is a blatant violation of Elizabeth's First Amendment rights and another attempt by this administration to prevent journalists from scrutinizing its actions," stated Joseph Kahn, executive editor at The Times. "It's alarming. It's unconstitutional. And it's wrong."
Limited Options for Recourse
Analysts suggest The Times faces limited pathways to challenge the conduct, with potential recourse limited to filing a complaint with a federal inspector general examining whether impropriety occurred.
Details of Original Reporting
Williamson obtained a brief conversation with Wilkins during her reporting process, though the performer stipulated the interaction remain confidential. The journalist additionally interviewed individuals acquainted with or professionally connected to Wilkins.
The original article, which appeared February 28, examined the deployment of federal personnel to carry out personal responsibilities for administration officials. Williamson documented that Patel had stationed four agents for round-the-clock protection of Wilkins and that these agents had accompanied her to engagements across Britain, Illinois, and Nashville.
FBI and Patel Respond
FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson issued a statement via social media asserting that while investigators "were concerned about how the aggressive reporting techniques crossed lines of stalking," the bureau "ever pursued" no action against the reporter or her journalism.
Patel has demonstrated a pattern of responding aggressively to unfavorable coverage. On Monday, the director initiated a $250 million defamation action against The Atlantic over its reporting regarding assertions of his heavy alcohol consumption and mismanagement of the law enforcement agency.