FBI Director Kash Patel is facing backlash after participating in a 'VIP snorkel' around the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, which entombs over 900 sailors and Marines. The outing, coordinated by the military, took place during his official visit to Hawaii last August.
Key Takeaways
FBI Director Kash Patel faced criticism for participating in a 'VIP snorkel' at the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, which entombs over 900 sailors and Marines. The outing was coordinated by the military and occurred during his official visit to Hawaii last August.
- FBI Director Kash Patel took part in a 'VIP snorkel' around the sunken battleship USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor
- Snorkeling and diving are generally banned, except for specific exceptions granted to crews monitoring the wreck's condition
- The National Park Service was not involved in arranging this outing
- Marine veteran Hack Albertson criticized Patel's swim as a desecration of hallowed ground
According to DailyMail, Patel's excursion was not disclosed by the FBI, which instead highlighted his meetings with local law enforcement. Snorkeling and diving around the sunken battleship are generally banned, except for specific exceptions granted to crews monitoring the wreck's condition. The National Park Service confirmed it had no involvement in arranging this outing.
Patel's snorkeling session has drawn criticism from various quarters. Marine veteran Hack Albertson blasted Patel's swim as a desecration, comparing it to 'having a bachelor party at a church.' According to PBS, Stacey Young of Justice Connection criticized the outing as an unseemly distraction for the FBI director.
The controversy comes amid ongoing scrutiny over Patel's use of government resources. As reported by HuffPost, Patel has faced criticism for blending professional responsibilities with leisure activities, including a recent incident where he was seen partying in the locker room with members of the U.S. men's hockey team after their gold medal win at the Winter Olympics.
The Navy described Patel's outing as 'not an anomaly,' stating that similar excursions have been allowed for dignitaries since at least the Obama administration. However, a former government diver noted that it is unusual for a director or anyone not connected to the memorial to be granted such access due to physical risks and logistical challenges.
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