In a spectacular display of verbal fireworks, FBI Director Kash Patel took aim at MSNBC on Saturday, branding the network an “ass clown factory of disinformation.” This outburst followed claims from MSNBC regarding the purported firing of an FBI agent who allegedly declined to participate in ‘perp walk’ plans for the embattled former FBI Director, James Comey.
Patel’s statement surfaced against the backdrop of Comey’s recent indictment for perjury and obstruction—charges that emerged from his 2020 congressional testimony, where accusations of lying under oath have put him in the hot seat.
James Comey, notorious for his controversial handling of both the Russia investigation and the Hillary Clinton email saga, was indicted last week. The grand jury’s decision hinged on his statements made during his 2020 appearances before Congress.
In true dramatic fashion, Comey has proclaimed his innocence, boldly challenging the legal system: “Let’s have a trial.”
A CBS News report revealed that FBI officials were debating various options for Comey’s arrest on the very day of his indictment, contemplating a “showy” approach that would involve “large, beefy” agents adorned in full tactical gear, including Kevlar vests and FBI-branded attire. This spectacle was allegedly aimed at ensuring a secure operation that was also visually striking, with Supervisory Special Agent Chris Ray potentially helming the operation.
Jumping at the chance to sensationalize the narrative, MSNBC seized on the story with unchecked zeal. On Saturday, reporter Jesse Rodriguez tweeted, “MSNBC confirms: An FBI agent in the Washington field office has been fired for refusing to arrest and perp walk James Comey.”
MSNBC confirms: An FBI agent in the Washington field office has been fired for refusing to arrest and perp walk James Comey.
— Jesse Rodriguez (@JesseRodriguez) October 3, 2025
Former U.S. Attorney and MSNBC legal analyst Barb McQuade weighed in with her own take, tweeting, “DOJ policy prohibits ‘perp walks,’ in which arrestees are paraded before the cameras.” This statement raises eyebrows, considering the media’s past enthusiasm for high-profile arrests of several Trump associates.
DOJ policy prohibits “perp walks,” in which arrestees are paraded before the cameras. https://t.co/X6lo8ujwDd
— Barb McQuade (@BarbMcQuade) October 3, 2025
In response to the assertions made by MSNBC, Patel appeared unfazed, declaring on X, “BREAKING: MSNBC still an ass clown factory of disinformation. Same circus animals that slobbered all over perp walks of Stone, Navarro, Bannon… MSNBC has no facts and no audience. In this @fbi, follow the chain of command or get relieved.”
BREAKING: MSNBC still an ass clown factory of disinformation. Same circus animals that slobbered all over perp walks of Stone, Navarro, Bannon…
MSNBC has no facts and no audience
In this @fbi, follow the chain of command or get relieved. https://t.co/vl0gPLM6vm
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) October 4, 2025
Patel’s reference to the dramatic ‘perp walks’ experienced by Roger Stone, Peter Navarro, and Steve Bannon highlights a glaring inconsistency in media coverage regarding justice. These early-morning raids, complete with camera crews capturing every moment, were celebrated by networks like MSNBC as moments of justice, despite Patel’s assertion that the narrative being spun is marred by a lack of veracity.
