*EDITOR'S NOTE: This story contains a racial slur. AP style permits use of racial slurs only when they are part of direct quotations and there is a compelling reason for them. In this story, the slur is essential to understanding the severity of threats made against the FBI director nominee.

(AURN News) — FBI director nominee Kash Patel revealed during his Senate confirmation hearing that he received death threats and racist messages after testifying before the January 6 committee.

During questioning by Sen. Lindsey Graham about his experiences with racism, Patel described threats he received after he says Congress released his personal information.

"Well, if you look at the record from January 6th, where I testified before that committee, because of my personal information being released by Congress, I was subjected to a direct and significant threat on my life, and I put that information in the record. I had to move," Patel testified. 

“In that threat, I was called a detestable sand (slur) who had no right being in this country. You should go back to where you came from. You belong with your terrorist home, friends. That's what was sent to me. That's just a piece of it. But that's nothing compared to what the men and women in law enforcement face every day, and that's why they have my support,” he explained.

When initially asked about his history dealing with racism, Patel expressed reluctance, saying "I don't want to get into those details of my family here."

If confirmed, Patel would become the first Indian-American to lead the bureau.

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