Kash Patel’s handling of the Charlie Kirk shooting has drawn significant criticism and may be a major blow to his position as FBI Director. Patel made a public social media post suggesting the shooter had been apprehended, a claim that was quickly proven false and had to be retracted. This mistake not only undermined the ongoing investigation but also led to widespread criticism from various political viewpoints.
Adding to the controversy, MSNBC News reported that Patel was dining at the exclusive New York restaurant Rao’s shortly after posting about the arrest. The timeline of his post and his presence at the restaurant has further fueled negative commentary.
The report detailed how Patel initially announced the “subject” was in custody at 6:21 PM ET, with Rao’s opening at 7 PM, and then a follow-up post at 7:59 PM stated the individual had been released after interrogation. This sequence of events has not only made Patel appear out of touch but also suggests potential leaks from within the FBI, with sources eager to expose the embarrassing details of his error.
The FBI Director may get replaced soon
The assassin of Charlie Kirk was caught, but only after his father turned him in. The FBI did release a photo, but that was blurred, the suspect was completely covered, and there was so much uncertainty about it that it was hard to believe the FBI had it right this time.
A current law enforcement official, speaking anonymously to NBC News, described the “horrific event” of Kirk’s killing as highlighting Patel’s “public inability to meet the moment as a leader.” This sentiment was echoed in a Fox News report that suggested “knives are out” for Patel from within the FBI, quoting an insider who claimed that key figures like the White House, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche have lost confidence in him.
Agreed ! Kash Patel was a disaster during the Charlie Kirk investigation. He made MULTIPLE mistakes. He's totally unqualified & biased. The FBI were making no headway in finding the killer or determining his name until Tyler's father reported his son. Kash took credit anyway! POS
— L Gardner (@frogwhompers) September 13, 2025
The situation is further complicated by the impending appointment of former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey as the FBI’s first co-deputy director. This move, especially given the existing deputy director, Dan Bongino, is bizarre and is unlikely to quell the growing speculation surrounding Patel’s future in his role. If anything, this shows that the government has less faith in Patel, and needs someone to watch over him. This could also signal that a change in positions is coming. Having two directors is silly, and this may be a way to transition Patel out.
The combination of his handling of the Kirk investigation, the public misstep, and the internal and external criticisms paints a precarious picture for Patel’s tenure as FBI Director. The details about his actions and the internal reactions may mean there is a significant erosion of confidence, potentially signaling the final stages of his leadership.
