FBI Director Kash Patel was defiant throughout yesterday’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing as he fielded robust questions concerning the investigation into Charlie Kirk’s killing and defended latest firings on the bureau.
Patel ran by a timeline of the investigation into Kirk’s alleged killer and touted his personal work amid criticism of his early social media posts that brought on public confusion.
Patel ended by saying, “I’m not going anywhere. If you want to criticize my 16 years of service, bring it on.”
Here’s a recap of key moments from yesterday’s hearing:
New particulars in Kirk probe: Patel mentioned the FBI is interviewing more than 20 people who participated in an online chat with suspect Tyler Robinson. According to charging paperwork, the suspect confessed in a series of messages despatched to his roommate after the assault.
Scrutiny over investigation: Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, the highest Democrat the committee, ripped Patel for sparking, “mass confusion by incorrectly claiming on social media that the shooter was in custody — which he then had to walk back with another social media post.” Later on, Patel admitted he may have “been more careful in my verbiage” however maintained he was being clear with the general public and giving well timed updates.
Democrats slam Patel: New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker received in a heated change with the FBI chief and mentioned, “Mr. Patel, I think you’re not going to be around long,” including “I think this might be your last oversight hearing.” Sen. Adam Schiff and Patel go right into a shouting match after the California lawmaker repeated questions on whether or not the FBI director had fired brokers for political causes and on the bungled launch Jeffrey Epstein case information.
Grilled on FBI firings: Patel defended the recent dismissal of two agency officials who at the moment are contesting their firings, saying they “failed to meet the needs of the FBI.” Durbin mentioned it was “disgraceful” that Chris Meyer and Walter Giardina, each of whom are veterans, had been terminated “apparently because of the rants of a podcaster.”
GOP lawmakers defend Patel: Top Republicans committee projected confidence in Patel, together with Sen. John Cornyn, Sen. Lindsey Graham and Sen. Josh Hawley.
See heated change between Cory Booker and Kash Patel
Sen. Cory Booker and FBI Director Kash Patel received right into a heated change throughout Tuesday’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing after the New Jersey Democrat mentioned Patel’s “failure” as a frontrunner made Americans extra susceptible.