FBI Denies Kash Patel Pearl Harbor Snorkel Trip Was a ‘Bachelor Party’

Key Points:

• The FBI has dismissed criticisms that Director Kash Patel acted improperly during a snorkeling trip near the USS Arizona shipwreck, describing it as a routine interagency engagement rather than a leisure event.
• The Associated Press reported that Patel’s "VIP snorkel" expedition at the sacred Pearl Harbor site was deemed inappropriate by a Marine veteran, who likened it to a "bachelor party at a church."
• The outing was coordinated by the military and took place during Patel’s visit to a Hawaii field office, with access to the USS Arizona waters being highly restricted and treated as hallowed ground.
• The controversy arises amid ongoing scrutiny of Patel’s use of government resources and allegations of unprofessional behavior, including excessive drinking, which he has denied and legally challenged.
• FBI spokesperson emphasized that such visits honor fallen heroes and are standard practice during official travel, with the Navy confirming similar excursions have occurred before but not providing further details.