Kash Patel

Kashyap Pramod Patel, known as Kash Patel, is an American attorney and government official serving as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, confirmed by the Senate on February 20, 2025. Born in New York to Gujarati Indian immigrant parents, Patel earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and history from the University of Richmond in 2002, a Juris Doctor from Pace University School of Law, and a Certificate in International Law from University College London. Patel's career has spanned public defense, national security prosecution, congressional investigation, and senior government roles. He worked as a federal public defender in Florida from 2005 to 2014, handling cases involving murder, drug trafficking, and financial crimes. In 2014, he joined the Department of Justice as a national security prosecutor under the Obama administration, leading investigations of Al-Qaeda and ISIS. He later served as senior counsel on the House Intelligence Committee, where he was a key figure in investigating the FBI's Crossfire Hurricane probe. During Trump's first term, Patel served as deputy assistant to the president on the National Security Council, deputy director of National Intelligence, and chief of staff to the Acting Secretary of Defense.

Born in New York to Gujarati Indian immigrant parents from East Africa. Graduated from the University of Richmond in 2002 with degrees in criminal justice and history. Earned his JD from Pace University and a certificate in international law from University College London.

Patel is the first Indian American to serve as FBI Director. He worked as a public defender for nearly a decade before joining the DOJ. He was a key figure in the "Nunes Memo" investigating alleged FISA abuses. He served as DOJ liaison to Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). He founded The Kash Foundation, a nonprofit supporting military and law enforcement families. He authored the children's book series "The Plot Against the King."

Son of Gujarati Indian immigrants who came to the U.S. via East Africa. Private family life.