The police unions on Long Island have endorsed Kash Patel, President Donald Trump’s controversial nominee to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Nassau and Suffolk County Police Benevolent Associations wrote separate letters to the Senate Judiciary Committee this week to support Patel, a former prosecutor and vocal Trump ally.
"This position [FBI Director] requires someone who will uphold the United States Constitution and apply the law in a fair and impartial manner," Suffolk County PBA president Louis Civello wrote. "Mr. Patel's proven success in tackling complex national security challenges and his strong conviction to follow the rule of law makes him the ideal person for this role."
Both PBA presidents said Patel — a Nassau County native — will be a valuable partner to local law enforcement agencies.
Patel's nomination hearing on Thursday was contentious. Democratic senators questioned him about his professional and ethical standards, including his past public comments in support of the Jan. 6 defendants, whether he plans to prosecute Trump’s so-called enemies, and whether the FBI under his watch would be independent of the White House.
