Patel questioned in Senate hearing over Charlie Kirk murder

FBI Director Kash Patel was questioned in a Senate hearing focused on the investigation into Charlie Kirk’s murder and recent firings of senior officials who have accused Patel of illegal political retribution. 

Patel returned to the committee for the first time since his confirmation hearing in January, when he claimed that he would not pursue retribution as director.

During the Tuesday hearing, Patel lauded his leadership at the FBI and shared a series of what he said were accomplishments of his first months on the job, including his efforts to fight violent crime and protect children. The Associated Press reported that he closed his remarks by saying: "If you want to criticize my 16 years of service, please bring it on."

FBI agent firings 

The other side:

The committee shifted their questioning to the firing of five FBI agents. According to the Associated Press, five agents and top-level executives were known to have been fired last month in a purge that current and former officials tell the AP has contributed to declining morale.

According to the AP, a lawsuit filed last week by three of the fired agents alleged that Patel understood that the firings were "likely illegal" but had to carry them out because he was ordered to do so by the White House. Patel on Tuesday denied taking orders from the White House on whom to fire.

Kash Patel addresses Charlie Kirk suspect's arrest

Dig deeper:

Kash Patel bragged at the Tuesday hearing that the man suspected in Charlie Kirk’s killing was arrested within 33 hours but also faced questions over confusion he caused soon after the murder when he posted on social media that "the subject" was in custody. That person was later released after investigators determined he had no connection.

"Could I have been more careful in my verbiage and included ‘a’ subject instead of ‘the’ subject? Sure," Patel said, the Associated Press noted. 

RELATED: Tyler Robinson expected to be formally charged with Charlie Kirk's murder

Today: Charlie Kirk shooting suspect due in court

Charges against 22-year-old Tyler Robinson are expected to come Tuesday ahead of his first court hearing after he was arrested in last week's shooting that left conservative activist Charlie Kirk dead. LiveNOW's Jeané Franseen previews the hearing with legal analyst Jeremy Rosenthal.

Patel’s appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee is the first hearing of his tenure.

The Associated Press reported that the committee is likely to ask Patel about new details about the investigation into Kirk’s assassination at a Utah college campus last week, which authorities have said was carried out by Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old man who had grown more political in recent years and referenced a "leftist ideology."

Kash Patel faced scrutiny after Charlie Kirk shooting

The backstory:

Kash Patel drew scrutiny when, hours after the killing, he posted on social media that "the subject" was in custody even though the actual suspected shooter was still on the loose and was not arrested until he turned himself in late the following night.

According to the Associated Press, Patel has not explained that social media post but has addressed his decision to authorize the release of pictures of the suspect, Tyler Robinson, while he was on the run as a key development that helped lead to an arrest. FOX News reported Saturday that President Donald Trump had told her that Patel and the FBI have "done a great job."

Robinson made his first court appearance in Utah on Tuesday.

Charlie Kirk funeral

Big picture view:

Charlie Kirk’s funeral will take place Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Arizona. 

For Context:

The headquarters of Turning Point USA, Kirk’s nonprofit, are based in Phoenix. His casket was flown back to Arizona by Air Force Two earlier this week.

RELATED: Charlie Kirk's casket flown back to Arizona by Air Force Two

What they're saying:

"Join us in celebrating the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Charlie Kirk, an American legend," Turning Point USA shared on social media. 

Specific details for the funeral service have not yet been announced, including who may attend. Though President Donald Trump alluded earlier this week that he’d be in attendance. 

A website created in Kirk’s memory, fightforcharlie.com, says the doors will open at 8 a.m. to the stadium with the program beginning at 11 a.m.