By Steve Neavling
FBI Director Kash Patel’s actions during the investigation into conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination have drawn criticism from former bureau officials and others who questioned his judgment, NBC News reports.
“He has heard concerns about how this looks,” an administration official said. “There are a lot of shaking heads.”
Christopher O’Leary, a former FBI counterterrorism official, said Patel’s handling of the case showed that “he’s got zero leadership experience and capabilities.”
A current law enforcement official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the “horrific event” highlighted Patel’s “public inability to meet the moment as a leader.”
The White House defended Patel.
“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,” a White House official said.
Another official said President Donald Trump “has confidence in Patel and his handling of the investigation.”
Patel also faced criticism for posting updates on X that four former FBI officials said were premature. At 6:21 p.m. Wednesday, hours after the shooting at Utah Valley University, Patel wrote that “the subject” in Kirk’s killing was in custody. Ninety minutes later he posted that the person had been released after questioning.
“They gave the public the perception that the FBI is not that organized at a time when the public is concerned because there’s an unfolding crisis,” O’Leary said. “They need to be reassured that the FBI and its partners have the situation under control, and that is done through accurate strategic messaging.”
A bureau spokesperson said in a statement: “The FBI worked with our law enforcement partners in Utah to bring to justice the individual allegedly responsible for the horrific murder of Charlie Kirk, and we will continue to be transparent with the American people with real-time updates as we are able.”
