FBI reportedly investigates journalist over Kash Patel story

The FBI has reportedly started a criminal investigation. The investigation is looking into whether information was leaked to a reporter. This reporter works for The Atlantic magazine. The story she wrote was about FBI Director Kash Patel. It said his "excessive drinking" was a major concern within the FBI.

Kash Patel addressed the report last month. He stated he has never been drunk while on the job. Patel also said he filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit. He invited anyone who wants to join the lawsuit to do so.

The Atlantic updated its story recently. It included a photo of custom bourbon bottles. These bottles had Kash Patel's name on them. The report said he gives these bottles out as gifts.

Carol Leonnig, a senior investigative reporter for MS NOW, joined the discussion. She is the reporter who broke the news about the FBI investigation. Leonnig confirmed that the FBI is investigating Sarah Fitzpatrick, the Atlantic reporter behind the Kash Patel story.

An FBI assistant director issued a statement. He called the report "completely false." He said no such investigation exists and the reporter is not being investigated. He added that the media often claims to be a victim of nonexistent investigations when false claims from anonymous sources are challenged.

Leonnig responded by saying her news outlet stands by its reporting. She stated that multiple sources told her the FBI's unit in Huntsville, Alabama, was ordered to investigate the reporter's contacts. This order reportedly came from the director's executive office. The investigation may also look into the reporter's phone, metadata, and social media contacts.

Leonnig emphasized that FBI and Department of Justice investigations typically require a reasonable belief that a crime has occurred. She noted that FBI agents are questioning if such a basis exists for this investigation. Investigations into leaks usually involve classified information being released, and it is unclear what information in the story might be classified.

She also pointed out that investigating a reporter is usually a last resort. Even under loosened restrictions for obtaining information from reporters, such techniques are meant for extraordinary circumstances. This was according to a memo from Pam Bondi, who had previously eased those restrictions.

Jeffrey Goldberg, editor in chief of The Atlantic, also released a statement. He said that if the FBI investigation into their reporter is true, it is an "outrageous attack on the free press." He stated they would vigorously defend The Atlantic and its staff.