Kash Patel faces Senate hearing over handling of Charlie Kirk: How to watch

FBI Director Kash Patel is expected to face intense scrutiny over the investigation into Charlie Kirk’s murder at a congressional hearing Tuesday amid questions over his handling of the case.

What Time It Starts

The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold an Oversight of the Federal Bureau of Investigation hearing at the Hart Senate Office Building at 9:00 a.m. ET.

How To Watch

You can watch it live on the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary’s website here or on C-SPAN’s live link here.

What To Know

Patel’s tenure at the FBI has already faced scrutiny, including the bureau’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, and Kirk’s murder has amplified concerns around his leadership.

The FBI director faced backlash after taking to social media hours after Kirk had been killed to announce that a “subject” was in custody. But local authorities later said the individual had been questioned and released. The FBI would not have custody of the man now suspected to be the killer for another 33 hours, after his father turned him in to local authorities.

But Donald Trump has stood by Patel, with White House Communications Director Steven Cheung telling Newsweek: “Director Patel and his team worked night and day to find this murderer and bring him to justice. Anyone who doubts his resolve and dedication – especially when Charlie was such a close friend to him- simply is using this extremely sad moment in a disgusting act of political gamesmanship. The focus was on catching this killer, and he will face the full wrath of the justice system.”

This is a developing story – more to follow.