FBI Feud Erupts: Gabbard's Team Challenges Patel on Kirk
Kash Patel, 2020. Photo courtesy of Sgt. Keisha Brown, U.S. Army. Public domain.
The investigation into the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk has reportedly spiraled into a high-stakes showdown between FBI Director Kash Patel and Joe Kent, a senior adviser to Tulsi Gabbard. What began as a criminal probe has morphed into a backstage power struggle, exposing tensions within the conservative camp and raising questions about the integrity of the investigation itself.
A Murder Case Turns Political
Charlie Kirk was fatally shot in the throat by a sniper rifle while speaking at Utah Valley University. Tyler Robinson, 22, was charged with the murder and faces the death penalty if convicted. But the official investigation has been anything but straightforward. FBI Director Kash Patel quickly announced on social media that the FBI had "the subject" in custody hours after the shooting, even though Robinson had not yet turned himself in, as reported by TIME. The suspect was only apprehended after a 33-hour manhunt.
Patel's premature announcement sparked confusion and criticism. Utah's governor clarified that the person in custody was merely a person of interest and that the gunman was still "at large," as reported by TIME. Patel later admitted he could have worded his statement better, but defended his transparency, saying he was "being transparent with working with the public on our findings as I had them." NBC News reported that Patel had dined at the exclusive New York City restaurant Rao's the night of his premature announcement, according to an insider.
Joe Kent's Probe Raises Eyebrows
Meanwhile, Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center and a close ally of Tulsi Gabbard, launched his own inquiry into whether foreign powers or other entities had a hand in Kirk's assassination. Kent reportedly analyzed FBI files and collected intelligence from other agencies to explore potential foreign ties to Robinson, as well as possible funding from left-wing groups like antifa. According to the Daily Mail, it is reported that Kent gained access to FBI files through a low-ranking agency official, though this remains an allegation and has not been independently confirmed.
Kent's investigation alarmed Patel and other senior officials, who viewed it as an overreach that interfered with the FBI's ongoing criminal case. A tense White House meeting was convened, including Patel, Kent, Gabbard, Vice President JD Vance, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and senior Justice Department officials, as reported by the Daily Mail. According to the Times, "little was accomplished" at the meeting, with concerns that Kent's probe could provide defense lawyers with ammunition to argue multiple suspects were involved.
The jurisdictional boundaries between Gabbard's office and the FBI have long been fraught, and this episode has only deepened the rift.
Conservative Voices Join the Fray
The feud has spilled into the public arena, with conservative figures weighing in. Candace Owens, a political commentator who worked with Kirk, accused Patel of being "upset" that Gabbard and Kent were "trying to do their jobs and solve" the murder, as reported by the Hindustan Times. Owens expressed distrust of Patel, questioning why he wanted to be the "sole point person" on the case.
Owens has been vocal about her frustration, declaring on her podcast that she wants a "war" with those surrounding Kirk on the day of his assassination, as reported by the Hindustan Times. She has challenged critics to write articles, issue statements, and contact the White House, insisting that the truth about what happened on September 10 must come out.
Other conservatives have also questioned the investigation's handling. Steve Bannon criticized the law enforcement response, suggesting Robinson's arrest was more a result of family intervention than "great law enforcement work," as reported by TIME. Bannon questioned Patel's presence at the press conference in Utah, implying it was more about optics than substance.
Senate Hearings Spotlight FBI Leadership
Patel's management of the Kirk case has drawn bipartisan scrutiny. During recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearings, Democrats blasted Patel for causing "mass confusion" with his early announcements, as reported by TIME. Senator Dick Durbin said Patel violated a basic rule of law enforcement: "At critical stages of investigation, shut up and let the professionals do their job."
Senator Peter Welch called Patel's handling a "mistake," while Senator Corey Booker accused him of weakening the country's safety, as reported by TIME. Patel fired back, dismissing Booker's criticisms as a "rant of false information."
Republicans largely supported Patel but some conservatives expressed doubts about his fitness to lead the FBI. According to TIME, conservative activist Christopher Ruffo urged Republicans to assess whether Patel was the right man for the job in light of the Kirk investigation.
A Tug-of-War With High Stakes
The Kirk investigation has become a proxy battle between factions within the conservative movement. Patel, a Trump loyalist, appears focused on controlling the narrative and maintaining FBI authority over the case. Kent and Gabbard's camp pushes for a broader inquiry into foreign interference and alternative leads, challenging the FBI's approach.
This internal conflict raises concerns about the investigation's legitimacy and the independence of federal law enforcement. The FBI and Justice Department have traditionally guarded evidence and investigations closely to avoid jeopardizing prosecutions. Kent's access to FBI files and his public push for a wider probe blur those lines, fueling fears that political agendas are influencing a murder investigation.
The White House meeting that included Patel, Kent, and Gabbard ended with "little accomplished," underscoring the deep divisions. Patel and Gabbard issued a joint statement promising to "leave no stone unturned" in the investigation, as reported by the Daily Mail, but the tug-of-war continues.
What You Need to Know
With a suspect in custody, the investigation into Charlie Kirk's assassination remains ongoing and unresolved. The tug-of-war between Patel and Kent continues to unfold, with the nation watching closely as this drama plays out behind closed doors.
References: After Missteps, Kash Patel Faces Questions Over His Leadership of Charlie Kirk Investigation | Kash Patel shuts down Charlie Kirk foreign intelligence probe in explosive feud with Trump's counterterror chief | Candace Owens accuses Kash Patel of being 'upset' about efforts to solve Charlie Kirk's murder, 'I do not trust him'
