FBI Director’s Gift to Australian Police Sparks Diplomatic and Legal Scrutiny

During a July 2025 visit to Australia and New Zealand, FBI Director Kash Patel presented a 3D-printed imitation pistol to Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Reece Kershaw. The replica was displayed in the AFP commissioner’s office and generated excitement among staff, as reflected in internal messages praising the “Director’s gift to the boss!! 3D.” After Krissy Barrett became AFP commissioner in October 2025, she ordered the item’s destruction. AFP officials confirmed the forensic firearms team verified the pistol as inoperable, and it was destroyed on advice from the ACT Firearms Registry. Similar replica pistols gifted to New Zealand officials were also destroyed after being deemed potentially operable.

The Guardian

Alongside the pistol, Patel gave Kershaw a bottle of Woodford Reserve bourbon valued between A$51 and A$100, which AFP records note was retained by Kershaw upon retirement. Media reports described the bourbon bottle as engraved with Patel’s name, title, and an FBI shield held by an eagle clutching the number nine, allegedly referencing Patel’s place in the directorate sequence. The gifts were presented amid discussions on transnational crime and cyber threats.

The Guardian

The FBI, through Assistant Director Ben Williamson, issued a statement to the Guardian asserting that the claim about personalized bourbon bottles is “false and misleading.” The bureau emphasized that exchanging commemorative items has been a longstanding, ethics-compliant practice predating Patel’s tenure, and that Patel personally funds any personal gifts. AFP spokespersons confirmed the pistol’s destruction but did not comment on the bourbon.

The Guardian

Australian officials expressed unease that the replica pistol, despite being inoperable, could be perceived as a breach of firearms regulations and diplomatic protocol. The decision to destroy the items was framed as a precaution to avoid “damage to the international relations of the Commonwealth.”

The Guardian

• “Directors gift to the boss!! 3D,” — AFP staff member, text message

The Guardian

• “Thanks so much for your help over the last two days with the FBI gun – now being displayed proudly in the commissioner’s office!” — AFP staff member, email

The Guardian

• “After receipt, the display pistol was examined by the AFP’s forensic firearms team, which verified it as an inoperable, imitation pistol,” — AFP spokesperson (paraphrased in statement)

The Guardian