FBI Director Kash Patel faces congressional scrutiny after missteps in the Charlie Kirk assassination probe intensified doubts about his leadership.
FBI Director Kash Patel heads into congressional oversight hearings this week under intense scrutiny after missteps in the investigation of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Hours after Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University, Patel posted online that “the subject” was in custody. The claim was false, and two men briefly detained were released as the gunman remained at large.
Critics say the confusion damaged public trust. “It had the opposite effect. People start to wonder what is going in. This looks like the Keystone Cops,” said retired FBI official Chris O’Leary.
Patel’s handling of the probe adds to broader concerns about his leadership. He faces lawsuits over a purge of senior executives, criticism of shifting resources toward street crime and immigration, and fallout from politically charged investigations tied to President Donald Trump.
Former FBI official Gregory Brower said the hearings will test whether Patel can reassure lawmakers that the bureau “can avoid compounding its mistakes” in a period of political violence.