” If the FBI under my seven-month management were failing this administration and this nation, why do we have 23,000 violent felons detained this year alone?” Patel asked. “Why is it that we have taken 6,000 weapons? Why have we found 1,500 kid predators and detained them?”.
” I’m not going to mince words: you lied to us,” Sen. Blumenthal said.
On the other hand, Republicans backed up the director, applauding him for his brief tenure and for what Sen. Grassley described as having “started the important work of returning the FBI to its police objective.”.
Patel likewise angrily disputed that tip, saying that he might not talk about the specifics of the representative shootings due to ongoing litigation. Three of the fired representatives submitted a suit last week alleging that Patel comprehended that the firings were “likely prohibited” but needed to carry them out because he was purchased from the White House.
” Anybody that’s been terminated stopped working to fulfill the requirements of the FBIand maintain their constitutional tasks,” Patel said, dismissing the claims versus him.
The intense outburst concerned an end when committee Chair Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) banged his gavel as Booker shouted to Patel, “I am not afraid of you.”.
However Booker was not the only Democrat who clashed with Patel. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) implicated Patel of tricking Americans, who promised throughout his verification hearing in January to not look “in reverse” or look for retaliation from individuals who oppose him as director.
” It’s well understood that your predecessor left you an FBI infected with politics,” Grassley alleged.
Patel participated in the hearing following a week of constant headings from the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was gunned down during an event at Utah Valley University. Patel stated the FBI was still examining the suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, whom authorities stated credited “leftist ideology.”.
Patel was quick to respond, claiming the Senator was sharing “incorrect details” about the FBI and the Trump administration.
” Sir, that tirade of incorrect info does not bring this nation together,” Patel shot back, shouting at Booker “it’s my time” to talk. Patel then noted off what he said was a series of successes under his watch as the FBI has actually elevated its focus on undocumented migration, street criminal offense, drugs and human trafficking.
Sen. Cory Booker accused FBI Director Kash Patel of stopping working at leading the firm as the two engaged in a shrieking match during a Senate hearing.
Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., questions FBI Director Kash Patel as he appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee for his first oversight hearing, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Capitol in Washington( Image: AP).
Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and FBI Director Kash Patel got into a heated argument on Tuesday during a Senate hearing, where the lawmaker said he expects President Trump to soon oust him from his role in the Department of Justice.
Patel’s appearance on Capitol Hill was the very first oversight hearing by the Senate Judiciary Committee during his short but turbulent tenure leading the examination bureau. During his time leading the firm, Patel has actually overseen the shooting of top-level representatives, the investigation over the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the botched release of the Epstein files.
” Due to the fact that of your failures of management, I don’t think you’re fit to lead the bureau. Here’s the thing, Mr. Patel, I think you’re not going to be around long. I think this may be your last full oversight hearing,” Booker stated. “Since as much as you supplicate yourself to the will of Donald Trump and not the constitution of the United States of America, Donald Trump has shown us in his first term, and in this term, he is not loyal to people like you. He will cut you loose.”.
FBI Director Kash Patel talks with Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., as he appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee for his very first oversight hearing, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Capitol in Washington.( Image: AP).
” This may be the last time I have a hearing with you, due to the fact that I do not think you’re long for your task,” the Senator added.
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