In a sharp public rebuke, FBI Director Kash Patel unleashed criticism against MSNBC on Saturday, October 4, 2025, branding the network as a source of misinformation amid a controversy surrounding the arrest process of former FBI Director James Comey, the Daily Caller reported.
The dispute erupted after reports surfaced about an FBI agent's dismissal for failing to organize a public arrest display for Comey, who was indicted on September 25 for lying to Congress and obstructing an investigation, prompting Patel to defend his leadership decisions and challenge MSNBC's narrative.
The controversy began on September 25, 2025, when James Comey, the former FBI Director, faced indictment on serious charges. He was accused of providing false information to Congress and hindering a congressional probe. This legal action set the stage for the ensuing public and media debate.
Fast forward to Friday, October 3, 2025, when reports emerged claiming an FBI agent was relieved of duty. The reason cited was the agent's failure to arrange a so-called "perp walk"—a public display of an arrestee—for Comey in front of media cameras. This incident quickly drew attention and sparked discussions on law enforcement protocols.
On Saturday, October 4, 2025, Barb McQuade, a former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan and current MSNBC legal analyst, weighed in on the matter. She posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, highlighting a specific policy. McQuade noted that the Department of Justice prohibits such public arrest displays before news outlets.
Her statement read, “DOJ policy prohibits ‘perp walks’ in front of news media.” This comment added fuel to the ongoing debate about the handling of Comey’s case.
Responding to McQuade’s post and the broader media coverage, FBI Director Kash Patel took to social media with a scathing critique. He labeled MSNBC as an “ass clown factory of disinformation,” expressing frustration with their reporting on the issue.
Patel further elaborated on his stance, stating, “Same circus animals that slobbered all over perp walks of Stone, Navarro, Bannon… MSNBC has no facts and no audience.” He referenced past arrests of conservative figures like Roger Stone and Peter Navarro, suggesting a perceived double standard in media portrayal.
In the same statement, Patel addressed the internal FBI matter, saying, “In this FBI, follow the chain of command or get relieved.” He did not explicitly confirm the dismissal of the agent but implied strict adherence to protocol under his leadership.
The public exchange did not go unnoticed, as political consultant Roger Stone and journalist Steve Baker chimed in. They shared images of their own arrests, which had previously garnered significant media attention. Their responses appeared to support Patel’s argument about inconsistent media treatment.
Patel’s comments have intensified scrutiny over how high-profile arrests are managed and reported. The term “perp walk” refers to the practice of parading an arrested individual publicly, often for media coverage, which has long been a point of contention in legal and ethical discussions.
The FBI, under Patel’s direction, seems to be taking a firm stance on internal discipline. His emphasis on following orders suggests a no-tolerance policy for deviations, even in controversial situations like Comey’s arrest process.
Meanwhile, Comey’s indictment itself remains a significant issue, as lying to Congress and obstructing investigations are grave accusations. These charges could have far-reaching implications for his legacy and for ongoing discussions about accountability in government roles.
The clash between Patel and MSNBC highlights broader tensions between law enforcement and media narratives. It raises questions about how policies on public arrests are interpreted and whether they are applied uniformly across different cases.
As this story continues to unfold, the public and legal communities alike are watching closely. The intersection of media ethics, DOJ guidelines, and FBI internal policies will likely remain a topic of heated debate in the coming days.
