( MENAFN - IANS) Washington, Dec 1 (IANS) Indian-American Pentagon official Kashyap 'Kash' Patel will head the federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) under the administration of US President-elect Donald Trump. Patel, a loyal supporter of Trump, has actively advocated for dismantling what he describes as the "deep state" within the US government. Born in 1980 in Queens, New York, to Gujarati immigrant parents from East Africa, Patel earned a law degree and began his career as a public defender in Florida, representing clients in state and federal courts. He later joined the Department of Justice as a prosecutor, specialising in international terrorism cases in East Africa and the United States. His tenure at the Department of Defense as a civilian lawyer saw him focus on global counterterrorism operations, ultimately catching the attention of Congressman Devin Nunes. Nunes recruited Patel as senior counsel on counterterrorism during his time as Chair of the House Intelligence Committee. Kash Patel gained prominence during Donald Trump's first term and was involved in the House Republicans' investigation into the FBI's handling of the Russia probe. He played a crucial role in drafting a controversial GOP memo that alleged bias in the FBI's investigation of Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. This document, referred to as the "Kash Memo" by the American media, became a significant point of contention in the partisan conflict surrounding the Russia investigation. Patel, 44, continued to influence Trump's national security policies as the Chief of Staff to the Acting Secretary of Defense. During this time, he was also accused of acting as an unauthorised backchannel for Ukraine. He has openly expressed his desire to reform the FBI. In an interview on the conservative Shawn Ryan Show, Patel suggested significant changes, including dismantling the FBI's intelligence-gathering operations and repurposing its headquarters. "The biggest problem the FBI has had has come out of its intel shops. I'd break that component out of it. I'd shut down the FBI Hoover building on day one and reopen it the next day as a museum of the deep state," Patel had said. "And I'd take the 7,000 employees that work in that building and send them across America to chase down criminals. Go be cops. You're cops. Go be cops," he added. Patel would work under Trump's proposed Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to restore what the President-elect described as the FBI's original principles -- Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity. Patel's nomination reflects Trump's dissatisfaction with current FBI Director Christopher Wray, whom he criticised for the bureau's investigations into Trump, including the search of Mar-a-Lago for classified documents. The appointment also signals Trump's commitment to reshaping federal law enforcement and strengthening his administration's ties with the Indian-American community, a group that has steadily gained political influence in the United States. Trump announced Patel's nomination on his social media, Truth Social, praising his achievements and dedication to the "America First" agenda. Trump emphasised Patel's role in exposing what he called the "Russia Hoax" and highlighted his extensive legal experience, including over 60 jury trials. If confirmed by the Senate, Patel would become the first Indian-American and South Asian to lead the FBI, marking a significant milestone for the Indian-American community. Patel's nomination represents a significant advancement for the Indian-American community, which has gradually and consistently increased its influence in the political landscape of the United States in line with its growing financial power. Patel's nomination marks a new milestone for the community under Trump's leadership. The President-elect previously appointed Nikki Haley, an Indian American Republican, as the ambassador to the United Nations during his first administration. This federal cabinet-level position made Haley the highest-ranking Indian American in the US political system until Kamala Harris was elected Vice President in 2020 as part of President Joe Biden's ticket. MENAFN30112024000231011071ID1108942230 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
From road closures, power outages, weather declarations and nonstop shoveling, Muskoka residents were faced with nearly a metre of persistent snowfall this weekend. According to Environment Canada, storm accumulations reached 140 centimetres of snow in Gravenhurst and 125 centimetres in Bracebridge. Near-whiteout conditions near Orillia Ont., on Sat., Nov. 30, 2024 (CTV News/David Sullivan) The heavy snowfall led to the closure of Highway 11 in both directions between Orillia and Huntsville on Saturday, with the closure persisting through to Monday morning. OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said police expect the northbound lanes along Highway 11 to reopen around noon Monday from West Street in Orillia to Highway 60 in Huntsville. "There will be limited access. Not every exit and entrance will be open in that stretch," he explained. Except for Luigi Road, all ramps are cleared. Schmidt noted southbound lanes are expected to reopen sometime in the afternoon. Additionally, a dozen trucks were trapped on Country Road 6 in Cooper's Falls near Washago Monday morning. Near-whiteout conditions near Orillia Ont., on Sat., Nov. 30, 2024 (CTV News/David Sullivan) Emergency crews and motorists confirmed to CTV News that hundreds of vehicles were stranded without food or water, some for nearly 30 hours. On Saturday, fire crews helped bring motorists to Gravenhurst Town Hall via side-by-side transports for access to generators amid power outages.Lakeland Power and Elexicon Energy – the respective suppliers of electricity for Bracebridge and Gravenhurst – and Hydro One all indicated via their outage maps that tens of thousands of customers were without power on Saturday. The Town of Gravenhurst declared a state of emergency on Sunday after the District Municipality of Muskoka had declared a ‘Significant Weather Event’ on Saturday. Premier Doug Ford posted to social media Monday morning stating the province was working closely with authorities in Gravenhurst and across Muskoka to ensure they have everything they need. “Provincial resources are on hand and more are en route to help where needed. I’m relieved that there are no injuries or fatalities reported.” Ford encouraged residents to stay home until power is restored and roads and highways are safely reopened. Drivers who are low on fuel are advised to find a safe place to park until they can safely access a gas station, or until fuel can be brought to them. OPP add that locals should only dial 911 for life-threatening situations and should contact the non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122 for all other situations.Swinney and Brown at memorial service for ‘giant of a man’ Alex Salmond
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