Overview
- New reports detail SWAT deployments linked to Wilkins in Atlanta, Nashville, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, with Patel allegedly scolding an Atlanta team after it left once the venue was deemed secure.
- Current and former officials say assigning tactical units trained for high-risk missions to VIP protection is highly unusual and could hinder local emergency response.
- Photos of Patel at the Las Vegas Grand Prix with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem renewed criticism of his travel and security practices, though it is unclear how they traveled to the event.
- Patel, a required-use flier, has taken government aircraft on personal trips — including to Scotland and to a Penn State event where Wilkins performed — and must reimburse the government at commercial fare rates.
- Former FBI agent Christopher O’Leary labeled the actions a misuse of resources, while Patel and his office defend the protections as necessary and consistent with policy.