Overview
- Public flight data show the FBI/Justice Department Gulfstream left the U.S. Thursday and arrived in Italy, with sources saying Patel plans to attend the men’s hockey medal rounds in Milan this weekend.
- FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson rejected characterizations of a personal jaunt, saying the visit was planned months ago and includes meetings with Italian law enforcement and security officials, a session with Ambassador Tilman Fertitta, consulate briefings on Olympic security, meetings with Legat staff, and thanks to FBI personnel on the ground.
- Agency policy requires directors to use government aircraft to maintain secure communications and rapid return capability, and an FBI official said Patel will reimburse the government for any personal portion of the travel up to a commercial fare.
- Reporting that cites government accounts places the Gulfstream’s operating cost near $5,000 per flight hour, yielding an estimated transatlantic cost of roughly $75,000.
- The trip comes as congressional Democrats continue probing Patel’s prior aircraft use and as political criticism surfaces, including a post from California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office questioning taxpayer costs.