Live updates: Kash Patel, Trump-appointed FBI director, House Judiciary Committee hearing
FBI Director Kash Patel was defiant during yesterday’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing as he fielded tough questions about the investigation into Charlie Kirk’s killing and defended recent firings at the bureau.
Patel ran through a timeline of the investigation into Kirk’s alleged killer and touted his own work amid criticism of his early social media posts that caused 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 details in Kirk probe: Patel said the FBI is interviewing more than 20 people who participated in an online chat with suspect Tyler Robinson. According to charging documents, the suspect confessed in a series of messages sent to his roommate after the attack.
Scrutiny over investigation: Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, the top 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 could have “been more careful in my verbiage” but maintained he was being transparent with the public and giving timely updates.
Democrats slam Patel: New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker got in a heated exchange with the FBI chief and said, “Mr. Patel, I think you’re not going to be around long,” adding “I think this might be your last oversight hearing.” Sen. Adam Schiff and Patel go into a shouting match after the California lawmaker repeated questions on whether the FBI director had fired agents for political reasons and on the bungled release Jeffrey Epstein case files.
Grilled on FBI firings: Patel defended the recent dismissal of two agency officials who are now contesting their firings, saying they “failed to meet the needs of the FBI.” Durbin said it was “disgraceful” that Chris Meyer and Walter Giardina, both of whom are veterans, were terminated “apparently because of the rants of a podcaster.”
GOP lawmakers defend Patel: Top Republicans committee projected confidence in Patel, including Sen. John Cornyn, Sen. Lindsey Graham and Sen. Josh Hawley.
CNN
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See heated exchange between Cory Booker and Kash Patel
Sen. Cory Booker and FBI Director Kash Patel got into a heated exchange during Tuesday’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing after the New Jersey Democrat said Patel’s “failure” as a leader made Americans more vulnerable.