WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis sent a letter to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Deputy Director Paul Abbate demanding answers from the FBI concerning leaks about a recent Iranian-backed cyberattack against Kash Patel, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for FBI Director.

“I write to express concern about reports that Kash Patel was targeted in an Iranian-backed cyberattack. For an Iranian-backed group to have targeted the potential next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is extremely alarming. Also alarming is the speed at which sensitive and potentially classified information about this attack spread to the news media,”Senator Tillis wrote. 

“NBC News specifically reported that two senior law enforcement officials confirmed information about the cyberattack to their news outlet. Two sources also relayed the information to CNN and CBS who communicated that information to British broadcaster BBC. As you know, it is imperative that the FBI and other intelligence agencies maintain confidentiality to ensure the American people are safe from enemies at home and abroad,” Senator Tillis concluded. 

Full text of the letter is available HERE.

###