Criticism Mounts Against Kash Patel Over Snorkeling Incident at Pearl Harbor
Controversy Surrounding Kash Patel's Snorkeling Trip
Veterans and former law enforcement personnel have expressed their disapproval of Kash Patel following revelations that he participated in a private snorkeling trip near the USS Arizona wreck at Pearl Harbor. Reports from a major news outlet indicate that Patel was part of a "VIP snorkel" excursion last year while visiting FBI facilities in Hawaii, Australia, and New Zealand. The USS Arizona, which sank during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, is a memorial for over 900 sailors and Marines who lost their lives during the attack. Public snorkeling activities are prohibited at this site.
William M McBride, a Navy veteran and professor emeritus at the United States Naval Academy, condemned the reported snorkeling activity as "horrifying." He stated, "This is a war grave with the same legal status as Arlington National Cemetery. Snorkeling around Arizona is as disrespectful as playing kickball on top of the graves at Arlington." The incident has intensified scrutiny regarding Patel’s travel and behavior since his appointment as FBI director.
Rob D’Amico, a former FBI special agent, criticized the mixing of official duties with leisure activities, stating, "The badge is a responsibility, not a VIP pass." He noted a troubling pattern of exotic travel and exclusive access that the general public cannot obtain, supported by staff working overtime to facilitate these experiences.
This controversy follows a separate report alleging that Patel exhibited excessive drinking, erratic behavior, and unexplained absences while leading the FBI. Patel has denied these claims and is currently suing the publication that reported them. Additionally, there are reports of an FBI investigation into Sarah Fitzpatrick, the journalist responsible for the article. Patel has also faced backlash over images that surfaced online, showing him drinking beer with the U.S. men's hockey team after their Olympic gold medal win earlier this year. Sources suggest that former President Donald Trump was displeased with the optics of senior officials consuming alcohol during official government travel, especially given his own history of abstaining from alcohol following his brother's death due to alcoholism.