FBI Director Kash Patel, under heavy criticism for how he handled the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s killing and facing demands for his resignation or removal, appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. It was his first time facing the panel since his confirmation in January.
Patel faced some tough questioning from Republican senators about the Epstein documents, but it was the confrontations with Democrats that stood out. At one point, he launched a personal attack on Sen. Adam Schiff of California, who has long been a critic of former President Trump. In another exchange, Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey suggested Patel could lose his job soon because of criticism from conservatives over how he handled the Kirk case. Booker argued that Trump has a history of discarding allies and could do the same to Patel.
Kash Patel’s Senate hearing: 5 key takeaways
Questioned over handling of Kirk shooting
The hearing focused majorly on the killing of Charlie Kirk and how the administration is responding to growing political violence in the country. Patel faced tough criticism from Democrats over how he handled the early stages of the investigation. Soon after the shooting, Patel posted online that someone connected to the case was in custody, but he later had to correct himself when that person was released.
When questioned by Sen. Peter Welch, Patel explained that he shared the information based on what was known at the time and later updated the public once the person had been interviewed. He admitted that he could have chosen his words more carefully but argued that he was simply trying to be transparent and provide timely updates. Patel, however, rejected the idea that his posts were a mistake.
Sen. Dick Durbin, the top Democrat on the committee, was harsher in his remarks, saying, “Mr. Patel was so anxious to take credit for finding Mr. Kirk’s assassin that he violated one of the basics of effective law enforcement: At critical stages of an investigation, shut up and let the professionals do their job.”
Patel shifts blame in Epstein case
As Democrats pressed him on several issues, Patel distanced himself from his responsibility in the Epstein matter, an issue that has drawn criticism from both parties. He pointed to Alex Acosta, a US attorney in Florida during Bush’s administration who was the one responsible for the controversial non-prosecution agreement that let Jeffrey Epstein avoid federal charges.
That deal allowed Epstein to serve just 13 months on state-level prostitution charges and required him to register as a sex offender. Patel argued that this agreement set limits that prevented the Trump administration from releasing large amounts of evidence in the case, despite earlier promises. According to him, the court’s protective orders tied to the agreement legally barred access to the material unless a judge approved it.
A later Justice Department review had concluded that Acosta had shown poor judgment in approving the deal. He had eventually joined Trump’s Cabinet as Labor secretary during his first term.
What Patel said about firing several FBI agents
Patel was repeatedly questioned about his decision to fire several FBI agents, including some who once held senior positions. The dismissals, which happened in early August, have since led to lawsuits.
Democratic senators pressed him on claims that the firings were influenced by political pressure from the White House to remove agents who had worked on Trump-related investigations. Patel strongly denied this, saying no one was dismissed because of politics, their case assignments, or their voting history.
When asked directly whether he had a role in firing agents as punishment for investigating Trump, Patel insisted he had not. He said people are free to make allegations, but the decisions were his own.
The lawsuit filed by three former agents argues otherwise, claiming Patel told then–acting director Brian Driscoll that his superiors ordered him to fire anyone linked to criminal probes involving Trump. Patel rejected that account, maintaining that every termination was based on evidence and carried out as part of his responsibility as FBI director.
Patel and Schiff clash in heated exchange over Epstein and Trump
During the hearing, Senator Adam Schiff of California had a heated exchange with Patel while questioning him about the Epstein case. Schiff cut into Patel’s answers, leading to a tense back-and-forth.
Patel shot back by pointing to Schiff’s past role in pushing the discredited claim that Trump conspired with Russia during the 2016 election. He accused Schiff of disgracing the Senate, lying for political gain, and acting more like a performer than a serious lawmaker. Schiff, in turn, dismissed Patel as little more than an internet troll who was elevated to a high office role.
Patel then turned the focus back to Epstein, arguing that past administrations failed to act while Trump’s Justice Department pursued new charges. He challenged Schiff to present anything truthful about the matter.
Booker vs Patel – A screaming match – Will the FBI Director be fired?
Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey warned Patel that Trump would likely remove him from his post and said this could be his last oversight hearing. He argued that Trump had a history of abandoning allies and would eventually do the same to Patel.
The exchange quickly turned into a heated argument. Patel pushed back, saying he wanted to respond to Booker’s claims, while Booker insisted it was still his time to speak. Committee Chair Chuck Grassley had to use the gavel to restore order as the two shouted over each other.