Sheriffs’ association slams state of policing under Biden, backs Patel for FBI chief

The National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) has officially endorsed Kash Patel as the director of the FBI in a letter addressed to Senate Judiciary Committee leaders. The letter also criticized the current state of law enforcement under the Biden administration. NSA President Kieran Donahue expressed his support for Patel’s nomination, urging the Committee to hold hearings promptly and calling for his swift confirmation by the full United States Senate.

With approximately 10,000 active members, the NSA is a professional association that carries significant weight in the law enforcement community. President-elect Trump nominated Kash Patel as FBI director in November, citing his strong stance against the “deep state.” In a recent book, Patel advocated for a complete overhaul of the FBI, including relocating the bureau’s headquarters outside of Washington, D.C.

In his letter to the senators, Donahue commended Patel’s credentials, skills, temperament, commitment, and experience, all of which he believes make him well-suited for the role of FBI director. Patel’s background includes serving as a public defender in Florida, where he handled a wide range of complex cases in both state and federal courts. He also received a Department of Justice award for his role in prosecuting and convicting terrorists responsible for the World Cup bombings in 2010.

Patel gained national recognition during Trump’s first administration, particularly during his tenure as the national security adviser and senior counsel for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence under Rep. Devin Nunes. Donahue emphasized Patel’s promise to prioritize transparency, integrity, collaboration, and excellence within the FBI, as well as his commitment to working closely with all levels of law enforcement.

The letter from the NSA leader also criticized the Biden administration’s law enforcement policies, which he claimed have undermined the rule of law and left the nation vulnerable to criminal activity. He specifically called out border policies that have allegedly allowed criminals to exploit weaknesses in the system, leading to increased criminal activity across the country.

Furthermore, Donahue highlighted the need for closer collaboration between local law enforcement agencies and federal leaders to combat organized crime and cartel activities within the U.S. He expressed frustration over the lack of direct access to the President in recent years, which has hindered effective communication and coordination between local and federal law enforcement agencies.

In conclusion, Donahue stressed the importance of having a strong and confident leader at the helm of the FBI to address the pressing security challenges facing the nation. He called for the Senate to swiftly confirm Patel as FBI director, emphasizing the critical role the bureau plays in safeguarding communities nationwide.