Washington, Feb 22: Kash Patel was sworn in as the ninth director of the FBI while holding the Bhagavad Gita, sharing his journey as a first-generation Indian American and emphasizing his heritage.
The US Senate confirmed Patel with a 51 to 49 vote on Thursday.
He was surrounded by family and his girlfriend during the oath-taking ceremony on Friday.
The ceremony was led by US Attorney General Pam Bondi in the Indian Treaty Room located within the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House grounds.
Patel was asked to place his hand on the Gita and raise his right hand to take the oath.
“I am living the American dream. For those who believe the American dream is no longer attainable, look at me. You’re speaking to a first-generation Indian kid who is about to lead the law enforcement of the greatest nation on earth. That opportunity exists nowhere else,” Patel, 44, stated.
Originally from New York, Patel has roots in Gujarat, India. His parents emigrated from East Africa—his mother hails from Tanzania and his father from Uganda—and relocated to the US from Canada in 1970.
The family settled in Queens, New York, renowned as Little India, in the late 70s where Patel was born and raised.
Now retired, his parents split their time between the US and Gujarat.
During his swearing-in, Patel expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Donald Trump, his family, and the senators who endorsed his confirmation, noting the “enormous leap of faith” they placed in him.
“Look, I know the media is present, and if there’s a target, it’s right here,” Patel remarked while pointing to himself. “It is not the dedicated men and women of the FBI.”
He also addressed concerns from critics who fear a “two-tiered system of justice,” assuring them, “Not under Attorney General Bondi. There is one system of justice for all Americans, with accountability.”
“We will uphold the Constitution and hold ourselves accountable to it. I stand with the men and women of the FBI because you stand with the American people,” he asserted.
“You will be held to the same high standard, and any deviation from that standard will not be accepted in this Federal Bureau of Investigation.”
Prior to the ceremony, Trump lauded Patel, declaring he would be remembered as the best FBI director.
“One of the main reasons I admired Kash and wanted to appoint him was the respect he earned from the agents. I genuinely believe he will go down as the best to ever hold that position.” (AGENCIES)
