FBI Director Kash Patel is facing criticism over his handling of the investigation into the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Patel claimed that good cops were responsible for the capture of suspect Tyler Robinson, but some employees found it galling for him to take credit for their work.
Patel’s social media post announcing a breakthrough in the case was later retracted when officials revealed that the suspect had not been caught yet. This move was seen as embarrassing and led to criticism from within and outside the FBI.
Conservative commentators, including Christopher Rufo and Erick Erickson, have questioned whether Patel is equipped to handle the country’s top law enforcement agency. They suggest that Republicans need to assess whether Patel has what it takes to lead the FBI effectively.
The investigation was also criticized for its handling of sensitive information, including the release of photos of a person of interest. The FBI held onto a rifle used by Robinson until late Thursday before turning it over to the ATF, leading some officials to intervene and demand that it be sent immediately.
Despite the criticism, there is no indication that Patel’s job is at risk. However, his handling of the investigation has raised questions about his leadership abilities and whether he is the right man to lead the FBI.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/09/13/politics/kash-patel-fbi-leadership-concerns