FBI Chief Patel under fire in Senate over bungled Charlie Kirk case

WASHINGTON: FBI Director Kash Patel is set to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, facing mounting criticism over his handling of two politically explosive cases: the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the long-running controversy surrounding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Patel, a former Trump aide appointed to lead the FBI earlier this year, has drawn fire from across the political spectrum. Democrats are expected to press him on the reported purge of bureau agents accused of showing disloyalty to President Donald Trump. Republicans, meanwhile, remain divided, with many questioning his competence in managing high-profile investigations.

The strongest backlash has come from Patel’s July memo that effectively closed the Epstein case. The document concluded that Epstein, who died in a New York jail in 2019, committed suicide and left no evidence of a “client list” or of blackmail involving prominent political or entertainment figures. That conclusion infuriated many Trump supporters, who long insisted that “deep state” elites protected Epstein’s associates.

Investigators release images of alleged Charlie Kirk shooter, rifle uncovered

Patel’s credibility was further tested by his handling of last week’s shocking assassination of Kirk during a speaking engagement at a Utah university. Just hours after the shooting, Patel announced that a suspect had been arrested, only to retract the statement two hours later, admitting the manhunt was still ongoing. The real suspect, 23-year-old Tyler Robinson, was not taken into custody until 33 hours later and is due to be charged with murder in Provo on Tuesday.

The misstep has triggered anger even within conservative circles. Christopher Rufo, a prominent activist, questioned on social media whether Republicans should reconsider Patel’s leadership of the FBI. According to Fox News, Patel’s working relationship with Attorney General Pam Bondi has also soured, though the White House has signalled continued support for him.

Patel also faces legal challenges from within the bureau. Three former senior FBI officials dismissed in recent months have sued him, alleging they were victims of a political purge aimed at removing anyone deemed insufficiently loyal to Trump. “Patel not only acted unlawfully but chose to politicize the FBI over protecting the American people,” the lawsuit claims.

Following Tuesday’s Senate session, Patel is scheduled to testify before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, ensuring that the scrutiny over his leadership will continue.