‘This FBI won’t partner with political fronts masquerading as watchdogs,’ Patel wrote on social media.
FBI Director Kash Patel said on Oct. 1 that the bureau has severed ties with the Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish organization that tracks anti-Semitism, after conservatives criticized the group for including Turning Point USA in a glossary on extremism.
Patel also cited in his decision the ADL’s past partnership with former FBI Director James Comey, who was recently indicted.
“That era is OVER. This FBI won’t partner with political fronts masquerading as watchdogs,” Patel wrote on social media.
The ADL published a statement on its website in response to Patel.
“ADL has deep respect for the Federal Bureau of Investigation and law enforcement officers at all levels across the country who work tirelessly every single day to protect all Americans regardless of their ancestry, religion, ethnicity, faith, political affiliation or any other point of difference,” the group wrote.
“In light of an unprecedented surge of antisemitism, we remain more committed than ever to our core purpose to protect the Jewish people.”
In his statement, Patel accused Comey of writing “love letters” to the ADL and embedding FBI agents in its ranks. Patel was referring to a speech Comey gave at the 2017 ADL summit, where he remembered first meeting the organization at a previous event in 2014.
“I sang your praises as an organization that fights for inclusivity and diversity, equality, and justice. An organization that works with us to fight hate crime and terrorism, to educate law enforcement, and to build bridges with underrepresented communities,” Comey said. “I labeled that last speech a love letter to the ADL. Three years later, I can say, from the perspective of the FBI, we’re still in love with you.”
A representative for Comey did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication.
By Jacob Burg
