Daijiworld Media Network- Washington

Washington, Feb 22: Kashyap Pramod Vinod Patel, popularly known as Kash Patel, has officially taken charge as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), marking a historic moment as the first Indian-American to lead the agency.

Patel, 44, took the oath of office on Friday in the presence of his sister Nisha Patel, girlfriend Alexis Wilkins, and close family members. Speaking on the occasion, he expressed his pride in achieving the American dream.

"Anyone who thinks the American dream is dead, just look right here," he said. "You're talking to a first-generation Indian kid who is about to lead the law enforcement community of the greatest nation on God's green earth."

Patel’s parents hail from Gujarat but migrated to the US from Canada after fleeing Uganda to escape ethnic repression. Growing up in New York, he pursued a career in law, initially working as a public defender before rising to prominence in the national security sector.

During former President Donald Trump’s first term, Patel held key positions, including chief of staff at the pentagon and deputy director of national intelligence. His rapid ascent in the political and security landscape made him a well-known but polarizing figure.

Minutes before his swearing-in, Patel received praise from Trump, who stated that Patel "is going to go down as maybe the best ever FBI Director."

His appointment was not without opposition, as two Republican Senators joined all Democrats in voting against his confirmation. He secured the role with a narrow 51-49 vote in the 100-member US Senate.

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Patel outlined his priorities, stating, "Violent crime is out of control. We cannot have a United States where this is acceptable."

He cited key concerns such as rising crime rates, drug overdoses caused by fentanyl originating from China, and increasing security threats.

"Our national security mission is equally important. Anyone wishing to harm our way of life, whether here or abroad, will face the full wrath of the Department of Justice and the FBI. If you try to hide in any corner of this country or this planet, we will find you," he asserted.

With his strong stance on law enforcement and national security, Patel’s leadership is expected to bring significant changes to the FBI as he takes on one of the most critical roles in US law enforcement.