NAACP Condemns Senate Confirmation of Kash Patel to lead Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2025
Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON - Today, the United States Senate voted to confirm Trump's nominee for Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kash Patel. Patel, an outspoken election denier and supporter of outdated law enforcement tactics has openly expressed his commitment to "come after" anti-Trump "conspirators" in the federal government and the media.
NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson released the following statement in reaction to today's news:
"The NAACP is deeply disturbed by the confirmation of Kash Patel as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). On the eve of the 60th recognition of the assassination of civil rights leader Malcolm X, our country is actively taking steps to bring us back to a time of the criminalization and brutalization of Black Americans. Mr. Patel's writing and public statements regarding his "enemies list" and intention of using the government as a tool of retaliation reflect fundamental hostility to the role of government in upholding the law. His confirmation is an unacceptable regression of democratic ideals. We refuse to stand idly by and watch a few extremists revert the progress of entire generations. The NAACP will continue to fight for true justice and the imperatives of our Constitution."
On November 15, 2024, Malcolm X's family filed a $100 million lawsuit against the FBI, CIA, and NYPD. The lawsuit claims that these agencies knew about and participated in the assassination of the civil rights leader in 1965.
Black Americans, and civil rights leaders have a long history of being disproportionately targeted by law enforcement agencies at all levels of government. Despite making up 13% of the U.S population, Black Americans represent at least 30% of all individuals incarcerated in federal and state prisons.
For more information on the NAACP's work to advance criminal justice reform, visit our website.
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About NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.