Steve Bannon turned on FBI Director Kash Patel over his handling of the manhunt for Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer.
Following President Donald Trump’s announcement that a suspect in Kirk’s death had been captured, Patel, alongside Utah Governor Spencer Cox, addressed the media in a press conference.
During the conference, the FBI identified the suspect as Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah resident.
Bannon criticized Patel and Cox for using the conference as a “group hug” session, instead of disclosing vital information about the shooter and his motives.
He remarked, “Correct me if I’m wrong, but we watched the nine-minute press conference yesterday, and images surfaced online. It seems like the suspect mentioned something to the family, leading them to confront him and ultimately turn him in.”
“I’m not saying there isn’t commendable law enforcement work, but this wasn’t a result of law enforcement efforts,” he added.
Continuing his remarks, Bannon stated, “I want to see law enforcement personnel step up, provide details, and answer media questions.”
‘I don’t know why Kash flew out there, you know, thousands of miles to give us, hey, we’re working partnerships and our great partnership in Utah.’
Steve Bannon slammed the self ‘glazing’ by Patel and lack of details surrounding the suspect’s motives
Patel has been criticized in recent days for his handling of the manhunt of Kirk’s killer
The FBI detained Tyler Robinson on Thursday evening after his father turned him in for allegedly shooting Kirk.
“This is why frustrations run high. And to the governor, I say no, no. We’re not going to have a group hug with Democrats. They are targeting conservatives and leaders. Charlie Kirk is irreplaceable.”
Patel and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino flew to Utah on Thursday amid the manhunt for Kirk’s assassin.
Questions regarding Patel’s ability to lead the agency have arisen over the course of the manhunt.
Following the shooting on Wednesday, Patel issued a statement on X claiming law enforcement a suspect responsible for Kirk’s death was in custody.
The Utah governor and Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason corrected clarified minutes that an individual was detained for questioning earlier but Kirk’s killer remained at large.
About an hour later Patel sent out an announcement claiming the ‘subject in custody’ was released after interrogation and the investigation was on-going.
Bannon is not the only prominent conservative criticizing Patel’s leadership from the fallout of the Kirk killer manhunt.
Conservative activist and writer Christopher Rufo called for Patel to step back from leading the agency based on his performance the last few days since the shooting.
‘I’m grateful that Utah authorities have captured the suspect in the Charlie Kirk assassination, and think it is time for Republicans to assess whether Kash Patel is the right man to run the FBI,’ Rufo wrote to his followers on X.
Christopher Rufo called on Patel to resign after Robinson’s detainment
Bannon slammed Patel and Cox for turning the conference into a ‘group hug’
‘He performed terribly in the last few days, and it’s not clear whether he has the operational expertise to investigate, infiltrate, and disrupt the violent movements—of whatever ideology—that threaten the peace in the United States.’
The FBI director reportedly berated agents in Utah amidst the manhunt for not providing him ‘timely’ information.
According to the New York Times, Patel during a profanity-laced video call with agents said the manhunt was a ‘Mickey Mouse’ operation.
