A Senate Hearing in Real Time

In just 74 seconds, 17 classified FBI case files disappeared from the bureau’s internal evidence management system. The cameras were rolling. The room watched in tense silence.

FBI Director Cash Patel sat alone at the witness table, hands folded, microphone live. Senator Cory Booker opened a manila folder, eyes focused, voice calm but precise.

“Director Patel, are you familiar with FBI case file CC2024847?” Booker asked.

Patel leaned forward. “Senator, I oversee thousands of ongoing investigations. I’d need to review specifics—”

Booker cut him off. “Yes or no. Are you familiar?”

Patel paused. “I’m familiar with the designation system. Yes.”

Booker slid a second document across the table. The file had been opened March 14th, 2024, involving electronic surveillance under a FISA warrant. Chain of custody had been meticulously documented. But by September 9th, 2024, the file had been administratively closed by Patel’s office.

“Do you recall authorizing this closure?” Booker pressed.

“Senator, administrative errors happen,” Patel said. “I’d have to review the circumstances.”

Booker presented an internal email from Special Agent Jennifer Ramirez, dated September 8th—one day before the file’s closure. Ramirez explicitly warned: “Case remains active, pending final forensic analysis… Do not close until clearance received.”

Patel remained silent.

The hearing continued. Booker methodically walked through multiple case files:

CC2024-1203: Financial records subpoenaed from three banks, properly logged and verified, reclassified overnight with no executive order issued.

Multiple emails from field agents: June through August, agents repeatedly flagged missing evidence, unauthorized closures, and administrative reclassifications.

Each example pointed to the same disturbing pattern: active investigations were being sealed or removed without explanation. Special agents’ requests for accountability were ignored, with one agent reassigned to Anchorage shortly after raising concerns.

Finally, Booker revealed the full scope: 17 case files vanished between March and September 2024, all active investigations, all handled directly or indirectly by Patel’s office.

“Director Patel,” Booker said, voice controlled and precise, “did you personally authorize the removal, sealing, or reclassification of evidence in any of these 17 cases?”

Silence. Absolute silence. Cameras fixed on Patel, who didn’t blink. Hands flat. Microphone live.

Booker presented the smoking gun: screenshots from case CC20241167. On September 3rd, the case was active; evidence logged, chain of custody intact. By September 4th, the file had been closed, administratively reclassified, and all evidence vanished. The only login recorded during that 11-hour window came from a terminal in Patel’s office.

Patel refused to answer directly, citing operational security and ongoing investigations.

Booker didn’t rush. He pulled one last document: a Senate-issued subpoena demanding full records for all 17 cases within seven days. He formally requested the DOJ Office of Inspector General investigate the FBI’s evidence handling procedures, specifically focusing on these closures and reclassifications.

The hearing adjourned. Patel remained at the table, hands still flat, microphones still live, cameras still rolling. The files were gone. The evidence was gone. And the questions remained.