Kash Patel Announces FBI Headquarters Relocation Amid Absence Allegations
FBI Director Kash Patel, recently under scrutiny for allegedly skipping office frequently, has revealed plans to move 1,500 agents out of the Hoover building due to safety reasons.
Safety Concerns Drive Relocation
In an upcoming exclusive interview with Fox News, Patel states that the current headquarters is unsafe for the workforce. He aims to provide a modern facility commensurate with the agency's importance. "This FBI is leaving the Hoover building because this building is unsafe for our workforce," Patel stated in a preview of the interview.
Past Accusations and Jet Usage
Patel has recently faced criticism regarding his use of FBI jets for private travel and questions about reimbursements. Former officials also claimed he spends more time at nightclubs than in the office.
Meeting Schedule Changes
Reports cited FBI insiders who claimed Patel canceled the daily morning meeting, reducing it to twice a week, and eliminated the weekly telecall with field office leaders. His staff defends these changes as necessary safety precautions, not signs of disinterest.
New Headquarters Search
The FBI and the Government Services Administration are weighing options for the new headquarters location. Potential sites in Maryland and Virginia have been explored, with a previous attempt to establish it in Greenbelt, Maryland, failing to materialize.
Workforce Distribution
Patel highlighted that a third of the FBI workforce is concentrated in the Washington, DC area, while a disproportionately smaller percentage of crime occurs there. The relocation aims to distribute resources more effectively across the country. "Every state's getting a plus-up..."
