FBI Director Kash Patel faced intense scrutiny during his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, defending his agency’s handling of the investigation into the assassination of conservative youth leader Charlie Kirk in Utah. The hearing, which lasted over three hours, saw Patel clash repeatedly with Democratic senators who accused him of politicizing the FBI and mishandling the case. Patel, wearing a red tie adorned with the Liverpool FC logo, remained defiant throughout, dismissing allegations of incompetence and emphasizing the FBI’s commitment to transparency. He also revealed new details about the Kirk assassination, the Jeffrey Epstein case, and the Trump administration’s broader crime-fighting initiatives. Patel’s appearance came amid growing criticism from Democrats and within the Trump administration, particularly over an inaccurate social media post claiming a suspect had been apprehended. The FBI later clarified that two individuals had been questioned and released. Patel defended his actions, stating that the suspect was taken into custody shortly after the FBI released new evidence. He also addressed the Epstein case, asserting that the FBI has ‘no credible information’ suggesting Epstein trafficked minors to others. The hearing was marked by heated exchanges, including a confrontation with California Democrat Adam Schiff, whom Patel called a ‘political buffoon.’ Patel also hinted at future federal deployments to cities like Chicago, Miami, and St. Louis as part of the administration’s crime crackdown. Despite the criticism, President Trump has expressed confidence in Patel, stating he has ‘confidence in everyone in the administration.’