‘Get the Epstein Files Out There!’ — Man Confronts FBI Director Kash Patel on F1 Las Vegas Red Carpet

At the Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix on Nov. 22, a bystander loudly urged FBI Director Kash Patel to release files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as Patel and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem moved quickly down the red carpet.

“Epstein files, get ’em out there!”

The exchange, captured on video, came days after President Donald Trump signed bipartisan legislation directing the Department of Justice to publish a broad set of unclassified records tied to the Epstein investigation. The moment underscores the heightened public attention on transparency and the handling of material related to Epstein’s crimes.

What the New Law Requires

On Nov. 19, the president signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which passed the House by a wide margin and advanced unanimously in the Senate. The law directs the Justice Department to publish “all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials” in its possession related to the investigation and prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein. The DOJ has 30 days from the president’s signature to release those materials.

The statute allows the DOJ to withhold or redact information that is classified, would identify victims, or would jeopardize an ongoing federal investigation. Importantly, it bars withholding records solely because their release might cause embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity — including information involving public officials or foreign dignitaries.

Broader Scrutiny of Patel

Alongside calls for the Epstein files to be disclosed, Patel has drawn scrutiny over separate reports that he assigned elite FBI agents to provide a protective detail for his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, and occasionally used a government aircraft for personal travel. Media accounts say the plane in question is valued at roughly $60 million.

Former law enforcement officials have criticized the reassignment of specialized agents for a personal detail. “This is a clear abuse of position and misuse of government resources,” former FBI agent Christopher O’Leary said in a media interview, noting Wilkins is not married to Patel and does not share his residence.

The FBI issued a statement saying Wilkins has received a protective detail after receiving “hundreds of credible death threats related to her relationship with Director Patel,” and added that, out of respect for her safety, it would not release additional details.

Reports also detail instances in which Patel reportedly used a government aircraft to attend events where Wilkins performed and for other recreational travel. Patel has publicly dismissed much of the criticism as misinformation, characterizing some coverage as “baseless rumors” and defending Wilkins as the target of “disgustingly baseless attacks.”

What Comes Next

With the new law setting a 30-day timeline, attention is focused on whether the Justice Department and the FBI will provide the promised transparency while safeguarding victims and legitimate investigative needs. The red carpet confrontation illustrates how pressure from the public and the press continues to shape expectations about disclosure and accountability.