Alexandar Sullivan:
FBI Director Kash Patel is facing mounting criticism from both sides of the political spectrum following a series of missteps during the investigation into the September 11 murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The arrest of suspect Tyler Robinson on Thursday evening came after a tense and chaotic 48 hours that left many questioning Patel’s fitness to lead the nation’s top law enforcement agency.
At a Friday news conference in Utah, Patel praised the FBI’s swift action, taking personal credit for releasing surveillance footage that led to the arrest. But the upbeat message clashed with internal frustrations. On Wednesday, Patel had falsely claimed a suspect was in custody, a post he walked back less than two hours later — drawing ire from Justice Department officials and law enforcement veterans who found the move reckless and premature.
Sources say Patel later lashed out in an expletive-filled virtual meeting with FBI agents, accusing them of withholding timely updates. Critics also cited operational delays, including the late release of suspect photos and the slow handoff of evidence to the ATF for analysis. The internal turmoil was compounded by recent purges of experienced FBI personnel, which some argue weakened the bureau’s effectiveness.
A loyalist from the Trump administration, Patel was a controversial appointment from the outset. Now, even allies like Christopher Rufo and Erick Erickson are publicly questioning his leadership. “It’s unacceptable,” said a source close to Kirk’s inner circle after Patel’s initial social media blunder.
Despite the backlash, Patel retains President Trump’s support. “I am very proud of the FBI. Kash — and everyone else — they have done a great job,” Trump told Fox News Digital on Saturday. Patel’s spokesperson defended his actions as driven by passion and personal loss, calling the arrest a testament to “the pursuit of justice.”
Still, growing bipartisan concern suggests Patel’s tenure may face continued scrutiny.
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