Kash Patel Allegedly Delayed FBI's Response to Charlie Kirk's Shooting Due to Personal Flights

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is built on the promise of a rapid, unimpeded response to national crises. Yet recent allegations suggest that this essential machinery stalled at a critical moment because of the personal travel choices of its Director, Kash Patel.

While federal agents prepared to deploy following the shooting of conservative figure Charlie Kirk, the agency's primary transport was reportedly unavailable. According to a whistleblower, the delay was not a logistical accident but the direct result of the Director using the government's fleet for his own itinerary. This prioritisation of executive comfort over active crime scenes has sparked a firestorm of criticism directed at Patel, whose alleged choices are said to have compromised the FBI's service.

Rapid Response, Grounded By Private Itineraries

The shooting of Charlie Kirk in September 2025 sent shockwaves through the political landscape, requiring an immediate and sophisticated federal presence on the ground. A whistleblower indicated that the deployment of specialised evidence teams was pushed back because the necessary FBI aircraft was engaged in a non-essential flight for Patel.

Senator Dick Durbin, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, cited a whistleblower in a letter addressed to two government watchdogs stating that Patel has 'seemingly engaged in what amounts to irresponsible joyriding on DOJ and FBI-operated aircraft at the expense of the American taxpayer and to the detriment of ongoing Bureau operations,' Reuters reported. Durbin's staff was told that the FBI had to delay their flight to Utah due to a 'pilot shortage caused by the Director's personal flights'.

Apparently, there is an FAA rule dictating the number of flights and rest periods for pilots. Since Patel used the FBI aircraft and the pilot had to rest, the FBI's deployment to Utah was delayed.

This is not the first time such an accusation has surfaced during Patel's tenure. Internal critics have pointed to a similar pattern of behaviour during the response to the recent Brown University shooting, where agents also reported transport hurdles.

In both instances, the delay in reaching the scene potentially hampered the collection of time-sensitive forensic data. Durbin is requesting a formal review of Patel's use of FBI and Justice Department aircraft, citing concerns that his personal travel has already directly interfered with the Bureau's operations.

From the Tarmac to the Milan Spotlight

Further complicating the Director's standing are reports regarding a high-profile excursion to Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Patel has been called out for using the FBI jet to fly to Milan, where he was seen socialising with members of the national hockey team during their victory celebration at the locker room after beating Canada.

The trip, described by some as a 'party' atmosphere, stood in stark contrast to the grim reality of the investigations occurring back in the United States. While the Director was in Europe, his subordinates were reportedly struggling to find the resources needed to manage escalating domestic threats, including the investigation of Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

Critics argue that the optics of such a trip are devastating for an agency that demands absolute discipline from its rank-and-file members. Using a taxpayer-funded asset for an international sporting event, while domestic cases sit idle, has led to accusations of a gross dereliction of duty.

The FBI's public affairs office, however, defended Patel's trip, saying he flew to Italy for a 'meeting with regional partners and security teams'. The flight was reportedly planned months ago.

Fallout From The Charlie Kirk Investigation

Kash Patel was widely criticised for his handling of the Charlie Kirk assassination investigation, with detractors questioning his professionalism as the FBI Director. Apart from the issue of allegedly misusing the FBI aircraft, a primary point of contention was Patel's decision to prematurely announce on social media that the 'subject' was already 'in custody'.

It turned out that, at the time, Tyler Robinson, the man suspected of shooting Kirk, had not yet turned himself in to the authorities. He only did 33 hours after the manhunt ensued.

Patel later clarified that the person in custody was a person of interest and not the gunman who was still 'at large'. The subject was released after the interrogation, Time reported.

However, despite the correction, many had already doubted his capacity to lead the Bureau, and the recent controversy involving his personal use of the FBI aircraft does not help his case at all.