1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about recent developments at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and urge you to initiate a thorough, independent investigation into the agency's leadership, particularly focusing on FBI Director Kash Patel's actions and decisions. Recent reports indicate that the FBI has fired multiple employees and dismantled its CR-15 public corruption unit following allegations that Republican lawmakers' private communications were monitored during the Biden administration. While Director Patel has characterized this surveillance as 'baseless' and pledged accountability, his response raises more questions than it answers. The surveillance in question was reportedly part of the 'Arctic Frost' investigation, which formed the basis for Special Counsel Smith's inquiry into 2020 election interference. Internal documents reveal that call metadata for several Republican senators and one representative were accessed from January 4-7, 2021, coinciding with the Capitol riot. Director Patel's swift action in firing employees and dismantling an entire unit without a transparent, public investigation is deeply troubling. This approach could be seen as an attempt to cover up potential wrongdoing rather than address it properly. Furthermore, it raises concerns about political interference in the FBI's operations and the potential abuse of power by its leadership. I urge you to call for an immediate, independent investigation into these events. This investigation should examine the original surveillance activities, the decision-making process that led to them, and Director Patel's subsequent actions in response to these revelations. It is crucial to determine whether these actions were justified or if they represent an overreach of authority. The integrity of our law enforcement agencies is paramount to maintaining public trust and upholding the rule of law. We must ensure that the FBI is not being used as a political tool by any administration or individual. Your action on this matter is critical to preserving the independence and credibility of our federal law enforcement institutions.