Fox News puts Kash Patel on the spot over failures around Trump assassination attempt
FBI Director Kash Patel faced tough questions Monday morning on "Fox & Friends" about an apparent assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
The embattled FBI director was questioned on Fox News about security failures that allowed alleged gunman Cole Tomas Allen to charge into an area near the entrance to the black-tie event at the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., despite an alert reportedly issued with a description of the suspect, reported The Daily Beast.
“Those are all things that the bureau and our partners have been looking at,” Patel said. “As to the bureau, we have what’s called the BAU – a behavioral analysis unit. It’s been made famous from past historical investigations, and those folks have been working all weekend."
“What that does is not necessarily provide direct evidence to be utilized in court, but it examines what we have collected so far to include emails, social media postings, witness interviews, interviews with people, family, friends, and neighbors, so we can provide a complete picture of this individual’s mindset and intent when we make the presentment in court,” Patel added.
"Fox & Friends" host Lawrence Jones asked Patel whether authorities were aware of "chatter" about the alleged gunman before the near-miss attack.
“All those questions will be answered in the criminal complaint that’s being presented," Patel said. "I just can’t get ahead of my partners at the Department of Justice, and especially can’t get ahead of the federal magistrate that it’s being presented to."
The 31-year-old Allen will appear Monday in federal court for an arraignment, and he has been charged with using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon.
The Trump administration reportedly did not designate the event with the highest level of security, and the Secret Service protected only the ballroom and its immediate perimeter, rather than the entire hotel.
