FBI Director Kash Patel is facing widespread mockery after appearing on Wednesday at a press conference in Utah where authorities were expected to provide updates on the investigation into the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Patel, who did not speak at the event, was targeted online with posts mocking his presence and questioning his leadership.
One widely shared post read: "Kash Patel knows he's drowning. They sat on the video of the culprit for six hours, delaying the joint press conference just so he could fly in and stand there like a prop. All this after they axed the seasoned SLC FBI bureau chief and gutted the domestic-terror unit. Total incompetence."
Kash Patel knows he’s drowning.
— Christopher Webb (@cwebbonline) September 12, 2025
They sat on the video of the culprit for six hours, delaying the joint press conference just so he could fly in and stand there like a prop. All this after they axed the seasoned SLC FBI bureau chief and gutted the domestic-terror unit.
Total… pic.twitter.com/Zw4Scvu8og
Another post said: "No one has ever looked so incompetent wearing an FBI jacket as Kash Patel, he hasn't got a clue what he's doing. The guy looks like he's awkwardly standing at a costume party. Who the fuck hired this guy?... oh wait."
No one has ever looked so incompetent wearing an FBI jacket as Kash Patel, he hasn’t got a fucking clue what he’s doing.
— Bricktop_NAFO (@Bricktop_NAFO) September 12, 2025
The guy looks like he’s awkwardly standing at a costume party.
Who the fuck hired this guy?…. oh wait. pic.twitter.com/tEjkwM4dms
A third post added: "Don't worry guys Kash Patel is clearly on the case. I mean look at how he checks every last nook and cranny in the press conference room to see if the assassin might actually be there with them."
Don’t worry guys Kash Patel is clearly on the case
— Substance (@__Substance__) September 12, 2025
I mean look at how he checks every last nook and cranny in the press conference room to see if the assassin might actually be there with them pic.twitter.com/4wFzyYBYLC
Patel has also drawn strong criticism after prematurely announcing on social media that a suspect in the shooting had been taken into custody, only to clarify later that two people had been questioned and released. Former FBI officials called the move unorthodox and counterproductive. Former deputy director Andrew McCabe questioned Patel's decision to travel to Utah at all, saying his presence "imposes a huge burden on the field office" during a critical investigation, as The Daily Beast reports.
The White House defended Patel on Friday, as NBC News reports, with one official stating:
"Director Patel is working night and day on this case. 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 disgusting act of political gamesmanship. The focus is justice, and this killer will face the full wrath of the justice system"
Meanwhile, a suspect has been identified in the killing. Officials named 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as central to the case. President Donald Trump confirmed the arrest, though charges have not yet been detailed.
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