Watch | FBI Director Nominee Kash Patel Claims Personal Experience of Racism

"Unfortunately, Senator, yes. I don't want to get into those details with my family here," said the 44-year-old Patel during his confirmation hearing to be the FBI Director, responding to a question from Senator Lindsey Graham about whether he had ever been subject to racism as an individual.

Indian-American Kash Patel said Thursday that he had been a victim of racism while growing up.

"Unfortunately, Senator, yes. I don't want to get into those details with my family here," said the 44-year-old Patel during his confirmation hearing to be the FBI Director, responding to a question from Senator Lindsey Graham about whether he had ever been subject to racism as an individual.

Advertisement

If confirmed, Patel would become the first Hindu and Indian-American to lead the FBI. He spoke about the personal threats he faced due to his public work, particularly related to the January 6th hearings.

He mentioned that following the release of his personal information by Congress, he received direct and significant threats to his life, including having to move for safety reasons.

Advertisement

 

"I was called a detestable— and I’ll apologize if I don't get it all right, but it's in the record—a detestable sand nigger who had no right being in this country. 'You should go back to where you came from. You belong with your terrorist home friends.' That's just part of it, but that’s nothing compared to what the men and women in law enforcement go through every day," Patel said.

Advertisement

His family, including his father and mother, who had flown in from India, were present at the Capitol Hill during the confirmation process. Patel expressed his deep gratitude for their unwavering support.

"I wouldn't be here today without their guidance, their unwavering support, and their relentless love. When President Trump informed me of his intention to nominate me as the director of the FBI, I was deeply honored," Patel said.

Advertisement

"Sitting here today, I carry not only the dreams of my parents but also the hopes of millions of Americans who stand for justice, fairness, and the rule of law," he added.

Patel's father fled Idi Amin's genocidal dictatorship in Uganda, where 300,000 people were killed based on ethnicity. His mother is originally from Tanzania, and his parents later emigrated to New York, where Patel was born and raised in a large, close-knit household.

Advertisement

"My father fled Uganda under Idi Amin’s regime. He saw the brutality of a dictatorship firsthand, where people were killed just for looking like me. My mother is from Tanzania. They met and married in India, later moving to New York," Patel explained. "We were raised in the Indian tradition but soon learned the American way."

Senator Thom Tillis expressed his confidence in Patel's qualifications, emphasizing his commitment to justice.

Advertisement

"Kash's parents are Indian immigrants of Gujarati ancestry, and they instilled in him the values of hard work and education. Kash is a devout Hindu, and consistent with his faith, he has shown respect for people of all religions," Tillis said.

Senator Chuck Grassley praised Patel's career, noting his work in fighting corruption and putting America first.

Advertisement

"Mr. Patel has identified those he believes have put politics and personal ambition over service to the country. He has called out those who've used institutions like the FBI for personal gain," Grassley said. "These attacks on Patel are unfounded. He has no 'enemies list,' only a commitment to transparency and accountability."

Patel assured the lawmakers that if confirmed, his top priority would be to protect communities and ensure that children have safe spaces to play.

Advertisement

Read also| Gabbard Accuses Democratic Senators of Inciting Religious Bigotry Against Hindus

Read also| 21st-Century History Will Focus on US-China Relations: Rubio

Advertisement

Advertisement