BREAKING: Kash Patel vows to 'hunt down' those seeking to harm Americans in first statement as FBI Director

FBI Director Kash Patel issued his first statement on Thursday afternoon after the Senate confirmed his nomination to the role, vowing to rebuild trust in the bureau and go after those who "seek to harm Americans."

"I am honored to be confirmed as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation," Patel wrote. "Thank you to President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for your unwavering confidence and support."

"The FBI has a storied legacy—from the 'G-Men' to safeguarding our nation in the wake of 9/11. The American people deserve an FBI that is transparent, accountable, and committed to justice. The politicalization of our justice system has eroded public trust—but that ends today.

"My mission as Director is clear: let good cops be cops—and rebuild trust in the FBI. Working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Bureau and our partners, we will rebuild an FBI the American people can be proud of.

"And to those who seek to harm Americans—consider this your warning. We will hunt you down in every corner of this planet," he concluded. "Mission First. America Always. Let’s get to work."

On Thursday afternoon, the Senate voted 51-49 in favor of confirming Patel's nomination to the role. Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote after the vote, "Congratulations to my good friend FBI Director Kash Patel! Kash is extremely passionate about restoring the reputation of the FBI, and I look forward to working closely with him to end violent crime, protect our national security, and make America safe again."

Democrats from the Senate Judiciary Committee gathered outside the FBI's Washington, DC headquarters on Thursday morning, claiming that Patel "will cause evil in this building behind us. Republicans who vote for him will rue that day."