FBI disputes Swalwell's claims of agency refusing to protect him, other Democrats

The FBI is disputing California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell's claims the agency is refusing to protect him, his family and other Democrats.

On Monday, Swalwell shared a report about FBI Director Kash Patel providing an agency security detail for his girlfriend.

"I don’t want anything to happen to @FBIDirectorKash or his girlfriend. Protect her if she’s threatened," Swalwell posted on X. "It’s just F’d up that he REFUSES to protect me and my kids from MULTIPLE specific death threats. Same for other Dem colleagues. Can only conclude he wants us dead."

FBI Assistant Director for Public Affairs Ben Williamson posted on X on Wednesday in response to the congressman, "Mr. Swalwell is either misinformed or being dishonest - the FBI has not 'refused to protect him' in any way.

"In fact our team personally reached out to his office multiple times, as recently as October 16th, to brief them on options available to Mr. Swalwell and ask whether any individual threats were not being addressed per his accusation. His own office advised 1) they were clear on what threats should be reported to [U.S. Capitol Police] vs. FBI, and 2) they were not aware of any specific threats that would require special attention for Mr. Swalwell," Williamson continued.

"FBI checked in with the USCP again on November 4 to follow up, and USCP again reported no individual threats to Mr. Swalwell. Director Patel has instructed our team to maintain an aggressive posture toward protecting public officials from threats. That includes Mr. Swalwell. We protect all Americans and stand ready to engage with his team at any time."