Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, along with 20 other attorneys general, has urged the Senate Judiciary Committee to further question Kash Patel, nominated by President Donald Trump for FBI Director. The request was made in a letter to Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley. Concerns have been raised over reports of politically motivated dismissals at the FBI and efforts to list agents involved in investigating the January 6th Capitol riots.

Attorney General Nessel emphasized the importance of the partnership with the FBI in addressing serious criminal activities in Michigan. "Our partnership with the FBI has been critical to dismantling some of Michigan’s most dangerous criminal operations, from violent offenders to human trafficking rings, and securing justice for victims," she stated. She warned that removing career law enforcement officials could pose a threat to public safety and hinder crime-fighting efforts in Michigan. "This purge of career law enforcement officials within the FBI for doing their jobs isn’t just political retribution. It is a direct threat to the safety of Michiganders. Gutting resources and forcing out experienced agents will weaken our ability to hold criminals accountable and put our communities at risk. Michigan residents deserve answers."

The letter also criticizes additional actions by the Trump administration perceived as undermining law enforcement, such as firing United States Attorneys, pardoning rioters who harmed Capitol Police officers, and attempting to reduce funding for law enforcement nationwide.

The coalition includes attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

A copy of the letter is available online.