FBI Director Kash Patel revealed in a candid interview on The Joe Rogan Experience that his home was the target of a swatting attack earlier this week, highlighting a troubling trend of such incidents against high-profile figures. Swatting, a dangerous hoax where armed law enforcement is dispatched to a person's residence due to a false emergency call, has increasingly become a weapon for intimidation and harassment. Patel's disclosure sheds light not only on the personal risks faced by public officials but also on the broader issues of corruption, media manipulation, and unresolved controversies surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein case.
During the podcast episode released on Friday, June 6, 2025, Patel recounted the unsettling experience, stating plainly, "My house just got swatted yesterday." This incident reportedly occurred on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Local news in Las Vegas had earlier reported a swatting call at Patel's residence on Tuesday morning, June 3, at around 11:15 a.m., but police determined it was a fake before dispatching a response team. Regardless, the FBI director's experience underscores the severity and real danger of swatting, which has in other cases led to injury or death.
Patel expressed frustration with what he called "the ultimate height of hypocrisy," referring to the existence of "two sets of rules"—one applied to the public and another to those in power. He emphasized his mission to expose corruption within the leadership that preceded President Donald Trump's return to the Oval Office. "They have two sets of rules, one against you and one for them. And what I want to do is lay out that entire body of work for the American people with Congress," Patel said. He reiterated his commitment to truth-telling regardless of consequences, citing his involvement in investigating Russiagate as an example of his dedication: "If Donald Trump was a Russian asset and I proved it, I was telling the world that. That's what matters."
Swatting is more than a mere nuisance; it endangers lives and strains law enforcement resources. The FBI issued an advisory describing swatting as "the malicious tactic of making hoax calls or reports to emergency services, typically feigning an immediate threat to life," intended to provoke a large law enforcement response. Patel had previously warned in March 2025 about an "alarming rise" in swatting targeting high-profile individuals and media figures, affirming that the FBI was actively investigating and holding perpetrators accountable. Other conservatives who have reported swatting attacks this year include Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, radio host Joe Pagliarulo, and commentator Shawn Farash. Pagliarulo himself described the terrifying potential consequences, saying, "If I would have grabbed my AR-15 and walked out the front door, or my pistol and walked out the front door, I would have been dead in my doorway."
In addition to discussing the swatting incident, Patel engaged in a detailed conversation about the Jeffrey Epstein case, a subject that continues to stir controversy and conspiracy theories. Epstein, a convicted sexual predator who died in 2019 awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, has been the focus of intense public scrutiny, especially regarding the circumstances of his death. Patel addressed public anger over the delay in releasing the so-called "Epstein files," the documents and evidence related to Epstein's activities and associates.
Patel assured Rogan and listeners that the FBI had reviewed all available information and that the files would be released "as much as possible." He firmly stated his belief that Epstein killed himself, despite widespread skepticism and conspiracy theories suggesting otherwise. "I’ve said, [FBI Deputy Director] Dan Bongino said, we’ve reviewed all the information, and the American public is going to get as much as we can release," Patel explained. He added, "He killed himself. Do you think, let's play out the logical conclusion of this? Do you think that myself, Bongino, and others would participate in hiding information about Epstein's grotesque activities, or do you think we would also participate in not prosecuting people we had evidence to prosecute people on?"
Patel also shared his perspective on Epstein's death based on his background as a public defender familiar with jail environments. He said he never suspected Epstein was murdered, citing publicly available information and his experience with jail suicides. Patel promised that the FBI would release video footage from Epstein's cell, allowing the public to see for themselves. When Rogan pointed to medical experts who argued Epstein's injuries suggested murder rather than suicide, Patel called it a "war of experts." He acknowledged this conflicting debate would continue for years but stressed that his role was to provide the public with all available information.
The episode took an unexpected turn when Patel learned during the interview that Elon Musk had accused former President Donald Trump of being named in the Epstein files, a claim Musk posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). This accusation emerged amid a heated dispute between Musk and Trump, which had escalated that same day at a White House meeting. Musk suggested he might support a third party in upcoming elections, while Trump threatened to cancel Musk's government contracts. Musk's allegation that Trump was hiding Epstein files because his name appeared in them added fuel to the drama.
Patel, visibly surprised, distanced himself from the Musk-Trump feud, saying, "I’m not participating in any of that conversation between Elon and Trump." Rogan expressed disbelief, questioning whether Musk had legitimate access to the files. Patel admitted he didn't know how Musk would have such information but reiterated that it was outside his jurisdiction. Rogan speculated that Musk's constant engagement on social media might be detrimental to his mental health, commenting, "I think posting things public all day and arguing with people all day is bad for you."
The Epstein files, particularly the flight logs documenting visitors to Epstein's private island where many alleged assaults took place, remain a source of intense public interest and speculation. Patel's efforts to release as much information as possible reflect ongoing attempts to bring transparency to a case that has long been shrouded in secrecy and conspiracy.
In revealing his own experience with swatting and addressing the Epstein files, FBI Director Kash Patel offers a rare glimpse into the challenges faced by law enforcement leaders navigating a politically charged landscape. His commitment to revealing the truth, despite personal risks and public skepticism, underscores the complexities of accountability and justice in today's America.
