Senate Scrutiny on FBI Nominee: Patel Faces Tough Law Enforcement Queries

Seal of the United States Senate.

Florida’s Senator Ashley Moody raises serious allegations against federal bodies in a high-stakes Senate hearing for FBI Director nominee Kash Patel.

Key Takeaways

  • Kash Patel is nominated to lead the FBI amidst controversy.
  • Senator Moody accuses the FBI and DOJ of obstructing a probe into an attempted murder of Donald Trump.
  • Moody’s lawsuit against the DOJ alleges they prevent Florida’s state investigation.
  • The DOJ cites legal grounds for federal jurisdiction over the Trump assassination attempt.

Allegations of Federal Obstruction

During Kash Patel’s Senate hearing, Florida Senator Ashley Moody accused federal law enforcement of obstructing a state investigation into a second assassination attempt on President Trump in Florida. The allegations were presented in the context of ongoing concerns about the transparency and partisanship of federal agencies, particularly the FBI and DOJ. These issues were highlighted when Moody revealed the restrictions faced by her staff, including being denied access to a crime scene and evidence withheld by federal authorities.

Moody claimed federal attorneys warned against pursuing their investigation, citing a particular case where a six-year-old girl nearly died amid the chaos. According to Moody, “They told us we couldn’t go on the crime scene. They wouldn’t share evidence. They suggested that we would be violating the law if we pursued our own investigation.” The federal agencies’ intervention has raised questions about potential overreach and the need for reform.

Florida’s Legal Battle with Federal Agencies

In response to the alleged impediments by the FBI and DOJ, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice. The state accuses the DOJ of preventing Florida from conducting its own investigation into an assassination attempt against Trump. The suit claims that the actions of federal authorities jeopardize the state’s ability to prosecute the case efficiently.

“Every day that Florida is prevented from investigating, the state’s case becomes harder to prove at trial,” the lawsuit asserts. These legal maneuvers underscore the struggle between state and federal jurisdictions over investigating what is inherently a severe crime. Despite federal entities filing charges against the suspected gunman, Ryan Routh, Florida seeks to bring forth additional charges, including attempted murder.

Federal Jurisdiction vs. State’s Rights

The DOJ cites 18 U.S.C.§ 351(f), requiring states to suspend jurisdiction over assassination attempts when the federal government steps in. However, Florida argues that this statute does not preclude state-led investigations and seeks a court declaration that the statute either does not apply or is unconstitutional under the Tenth Amendment.

This escalating legal conflict between Florida and federal authorities raises important questions about states’ rights and autonomy when ensuring safety and justice within their borders. Sentiments fuelled by distrust in the federal administration may continue to inspire states to assert their investigative priorities.

Sources:

  1. Sen. Moody: Biden’s FBI and CIA Obstructed State of Florida from Investigating Trump’s Second Assassination Attempt (Video) | The Gateway Pundit | by Jim Hoft
  2. Florida sues U.S. Justice Department for allegedly blocking state investigation into Trump assassination attempt in West Palm Beach