‘Political buffoon’: FBI director, senators exchange barbs in fiery hearing
FBI Director Kash Patel faced intense scrutiny from senators during a Capitol Hill hearing, as political violence and his leadership were hotly debated.
FBI Director Kash Patel faced intense scrutiny from senators during a Capitol Hill hearing, as political violence and his leadership were hotly debated.
FBI Director Kash Patel faced intense scrutiny from senators during a Capitol Hill hearing, as political violence and his leadership were hotly debated.
FBI Director Kash Patel appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, facing tough questions about his handling of the investigation into Charlie Kirk's murder, the case against sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and the firings of senior FBI officials.
The hearing quickly turned combative, highlighting the bitter political climate. Patel clashed with Senate Democrats, who criticized his leadership and handling of the Kirk murder investigation. "You're a political buffoon at best," Patel said during the session to Sen. Adam Schiff. Sen. Cory Booker expressed his disapproval, saying, "I believe you have made our country weaker and less safe."
Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois criticized Patel's approach to the handling of the investigation into the murder of Charlie Kirk, stating, "He violated one of the basics of effective law enforcement: At critical stages of an investigation, shut up and let the professionals do their job."
Patel had drawn criticism for a social media post suggesting a suspect was in custody shortly after Kirk's killing.
Patel said, "I pledged myself to commit to full transparency, oversight and accountability so we could restore the public's trust in the FBI."
The hearing also focused on the rise in political violence, with new data from Princeton University showing an 83% increase in threats and harassment against local politicians, judges, and officials since 2022. Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri emphasized, "Political violence is always wrong, period. Full stop."
On Capitol Hill, there is a push for added security, with House Republicans introducing a funding bill earmarking nearly $90 million for lawmaker protections. Tyler Robinson, accused of murdering Charlie Kirk, faces seven counts, including aggravated murder and the death penalty. Charging documents reveal Robinson told his romantic partner and roommate that he killed Kirk because "I had enough of his hatred" and had been planning the murder for over a week.
