FBI Director Patel Faces Intense Scrutiny Over Epstein Files and Kirk Murder Probe in Capitol Hearings
FBI Director Patel Faces Intense Scrutiny Over Epstein Files and Kirk Murder Probe in Capitol Hearings
FBI Director Kash Patel endured a day of fiery exchanges and pointed accusations during back-to-back appearances before House and Senate committees this week, primarily over the handling of Jeffrey Epstein’s unreleased files and the ongoing investigation into the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
On Wednesday, Patel faced the House Judiciary Committee for a contentious five-hour hearing. Ranking Member Jamie Raskin led the charge, accusing Patel of withholding crucial documents and failing to release the names of Epstein’s alleged co-conspirators. Patel vehemently defended the FBI’s actions, stating, “we have released more material than anyone else before” and “everything the court has allowed us,” pushing back against accusations of a “cover up” from Rep. Daniel Goldman.
Lawmakers pressed Patel on various aspects of the Epstein case, including the appearance of former President Donald Trump’s name in the files, which Patel clarified does not indicate wrongdoing. Rep. Thomas Massie challenged Patel’s earlier assertion that there was no credible information of Epstein trafficking women to anyone other than himself, citing victim interviews detailing allegations against at least 20 men. Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell engaged in a shouting match with Patel, questioning his claims about legal limitations and a reported conversation with Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The intense questioning followed a similarly explosive appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, where Patel clashed with Senators Adam Schiff and Cory Booker, calling Schiff a “political buffoon” and an “utter coward” in heated exchanges.
Beyond the Epstein controversy, Patel also defended the FBI’s response to the Charlie Kirk shooting last week. He highlighted the swift arrest of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, crediting the FBI’s release of video and photographs. Patel confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with federal agents actively investigating and interrogating individuals linked to an online chat room where the alleged shooter posted messages before the incident, suggesting potential co-conspirators.
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