Kash Patel's gift to Australian police commissioner destroyed over firearms advice

A 3D-printed imitation pistol gifted by FBI Director Kash Patel to the former head of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) was destroyed months later on the orders of the agency's new commissioner, according to documents released under freedom of information laws.

The replica firearm was presented to former AFP commissioner Reece Kershaw during Patel's visit to Australia and New Zealand in July 2025.

AFP documents show staff were initially enthusiastic about the gift, with one message reading: “Directors gift to the boss!! 3D,” while another email said: “Thanks so much for your help over the last two days with the FBI gun – now being displayed proudly in the commissioner’s office!”

However, an AFP spokesperson said the item was later examined by the force's forensic firearms team.

“After receipt, the display pistol was examined by the AFP’s forensic firearms team, which verified it as an inoperable, imitation pistol,” the spokesperson said.

“AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett ordered the destruction of the gift when she became commissioner in October 2025.”

According to the released documents, the display was destroyed following advice from the ACT Firearms Registry.

The documents also show Kershaw was permitted to keep a bottle of Woodford Reserve bourbon gifted by Patel upon his retirement.