Congressman Cohen Questions FBI Director Kash Patel

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, today questioned FBI Director Kash Patel at an oversight hearing. The Congressman commended the FBI for working with local police, encouraged additional collaboration, but questioned whether the National Guard that President Trump has ordered to Memphis will be helpful. In response to one question, Patel said “I love Memphis,” and mentioned Beale Street.

Congressman Cohen also asked about the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and whether they have been questioned by the agency.

In his exchange with Patel, Congressman Cohen said in part:

“We have a crime problem in Memphis… the FBI has helped…I don’t think the National Guard is going to help…It’s not a ‘troubled’ city. It’s got some crime but it’s not a ‘troubled’ city. We love our city and hope the National Guard doesn’t come in and cause people to have questions about Memphis.”

On the Epstein case, Congressman Cohen said, “If there’s no statute of limitations (on sex crimes), should you not be interviewing those people who know who raped them?...It seems like that would be a treasure trove of information…”

Patel responded: “Sir, I couldn’t agree with you more.”

See the entire exchange here.

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