NEW YORK

The New York Times says the FBI investigated whether one of its reporters, Elizabeth Williamson, violated federal stalking laws after she wrote an article nearly two months ago detailing how federal agents had been assigned to protect and provide rides to FBI Director Kash Patel’s girlfriend.

The FBI said Wednesday that its agents interviewed Patel’s girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, after she expressed concern about a death threat she received following the publication of Williamson’s article. The agency said it took no further action.

However, the Times reported in its own article posted online Wednesday that the FBI had searched federal databases for information about Williamson and recommended pursuing the matter further — only to be blocked by the Justice Department.

The newspaper said it only learned of the investigation through a tip provided to reporter Michael S. Schmidt. The Times described the FBI’s actions as alarming.

By James Kisoo