FBI Director Faces Senate, House Over Kirk Shooting Probe, FBI Conduct

WASHINGTON — FBI Director Kash Patel is set to testify before the Senate and House Judiciary committees on Tuesday, facing questions about the investigation into the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, internal FBI conduct, and the handling of Jeffrey Epstein case files.

Kirk, a prominent figure and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot in the neck on Sept. 10, 2025, while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The investigation remains active, with authorities still gathering evidence and assessing a motive. On Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was taken into custody as the sole suspect.

Patel has faced sharp criticism for his handling of the investigation, particularly after posting on X that “the subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody,” only to clarify 90 minutes later that the individual was released after interrogation and the suspect remained at large. The initial post caused confusion, drawing rebuke from conservative figures, including former Trump advisor Steve Bannon and Manhattan Institute Senior Fellow Christopher Rufo.

Bannon questioned the FBI’s investigative efforts, noting that Robinson was identified after his father recognized him in law enforcement photos and, with a youth pastor’s help, facilitated his surrender. “It appears the kid had said something to the family, the family confronted him, and the family turned him in. I’m not seeing the great law enforcement work,” Bannon said on his podcast. He also criticized Patel’s trip to Utah for a press conference, calling it vague and uninformative.

Comedian Tim Dillon, known for his right-leaning commentary, mocked Patel’s leadership, joking on a podcast that Patel’s FBI could not resolve a DoorDash dispute, let alone a high-profile investigation. “The guy that did this to Charlie, his parents turned him in,” Dillon said. “What organization could Kash Patel run credibly? I don’t know.”

In a Monday Fox News interview, Patel defended his actions, emphasizing transparency. “I stated in that message that we had a subject and that we were going to interview him and we did and he was released,” Patel 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.” He added that his leadership has prioritized real-time updates to the public.

Robinson’s arrest followed his father’s recognition of him in released photos. After initial resistance and threats of self-harm, Robinson surrendered with family and pastoral intervention, according to Utah officials.

Patel’s testimony will also address the FBI’s decision not to release additional Jeffrey Epstein investigation files, as outlined in a July 2025 Justice Department memo. The hearings come amid broader scrutiny of Patel’s leadership, including recent senior FBI official firings and allegations of political influence within the agency.