...
By Jordan King
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
FBI Director Kash Patel is expected to face intense scrutiny over the investigation into Charlie Kirk's murder at a congressional hearing Tuesday amid questions over his handling of the case.
Newsweek has contacted the FBI, via email, for comment.
What Time It Starts
The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold an Oversight of the Federal Bureau of Investigation hearing at the Hart Senate Office Building at 9:00 a.m. ET.
Read More on News
How To Watch
You can watch it live on the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary's website here or on C-SPAN's live link here.
What To Know
Tuesday's hearing, as well as a second one set for Wednesday, was previously scheduled but is taking place amid concerns about how the Kirk case has been dealt with.
Patel's tenure at the FBI has already faced scrutiny, including the bureau's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, and Kirk's murder has amplified concerns around his leadership.
The FBI director faced backlash after taking to social media hours after Kirk had been killed to announce that a "subject" was in custody. But local authorities later said the individual had been questioned and released. Authorities would not have custody of the man, Tyler Robinson, now suspected to be the killer for another 33 hours, after his father turned him in.
...
But Donald Trump has stood by Patel, with White House Communications Director Steven Cheung telling Newsweek: "Director Patel and his team worked night and day to find this murderer and bring him to justice. Anyone who doubts his resolve and dedication - especially when Charlie was such a close friend to him- simply is using this extremely sad moment in a disgusting act of political gamesmanship. The focus was on catching this killer, and he will face the full wrath of the justice system."
Patel responded to criticism of the post during an appearance on "Fox & Friends" on Monday.
"I was being transparent with working with the public on our findings as I had them," he said. "Could I have worded it a little better in the heat of the moment? Sure. But do I regret putting it out? Absolutely not."
Discussing the release of images in another interview with Fox, Patel said: "For a comparative sake, the Boston bombing, the FBI didn't release images for three days. We know we didn't have three days...I made an executive decision on an investigative and operational need, and it turned out to be the right move."
Patel, a former public defender turned junior DOJ staffer who has no prior law enforcement or intelligence experience, was confirmed by Senate Republicans earlier this year despite unanimous Democratic opposition.
He has repeatedly faced criticism, namely over his handling of the Epstein case, including the bureau's decision in July to halt further public disclosures related to it.
Critics have also accused Patel of politicizing the FBI, firing senior officials seen as insufficiently loyal to Trump, and prioritizing public image over investigative integrity.
What People Are Saying
In a joint statement from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and her deputy, Todd Blanche shared with Newsweek yesterday, they said: "We work with Director Patel every single day and fully support his leadership at the FBI. The suspect is in handcuffs today because of the outstanding work of Director Patel and our law enforcement partners. Any suggestion to the contrary does not reflect the reality of our strong working relationship and shared commitment to protecting the American people."
Christopher F. Rufo, a fellow at the conservative think tank the Manhattan Institute, on X: "It is time for Republicans to assess whether Kash Patel is the right man to run the FBI. He performed terribly in the last few days, and it's not clear whether he has the operational expertise to investigate, infiltrate, and disrupt the violent movements—of whatever ideology—that threaten the peace in the United States."
What Happens Next
Patel will face questioning when his hearing starts at 9:00 a.m. ET.
Former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is set to be sworn in as deputy FBI director on Monday. This has fuelled speculation that Patel may be replaced but has been denied by Bailey who told Fox News this was "simply false," adding that he intends to "work together to keep our nation safe."
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines