Kash Patel checks his phone
director of the fbi Kashi Patel US President Donald Trump is facing backlash after he was filmed scrolling on his phone as security forces rushed guests to safety following a shooting near a high-profile Washington dinner he attended.The incident occurred Saturday night outside the Washington Hilton Hotel, where the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was being held. As Secret Service agents began securing the area and escorting attendees to safety, a video that went viral on social media showed Patel appearing relaxed, first talking on the phone and then scrolling.
The video sparked a backlash online, with critics questioning his conduct during the crisis. Some viewers claimed the FBI director “showed no sense of urgency.”MeidasTouch, a left-wing media outlet that shared the video, said: “FBI Director Kash Patel was seen on his phone wandering outside the venue like a random WHCD attendee trying to figure out how to get an Uber after the incident.”Another user responded: “Obviously this idiot doesn’t know what he’s doing, no wonder Trump wants to fire him.”As details of the shooting itself emerged, so did the criticism. Authorities said a suspect, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, who was a guest at the hotel, approached the security checkpoint armed with a shotgun, a handgun and a knife. He exchanged gunfire with police before being subdued.Witnesses described chaotic scenes. CNN’s Wolf Blitzer said he saw the suspect fire several shots with a “very, very serious” weapon, while BBC reporter Gary O’Donoghue noted that security at the venue “wasn’t particularly tight”.Despite the breach, security prevented the attackers from entering the main ballroom where the president and other senior figures were seated.Trump praised the Secret Service’s response, calling the agents “brave” for their actions and for quickly moving him and Vice President Vance to safety. “I can’t imagine a more dangerous profession,” he told reporters hours later.However, Patel struck a different tone later that night, publicly praising Trump in a speech after returning to the White House.“Mr. President, you inspire them 24/7, 365 hours a day,” Patel said.His comments come amid growing speculation about his prospects in power. Politico reported this week that Patel could be the next senior official to leave the government, with one source saying it was “just a matter of time.”The scrutiny of Patel extends beyond the events of the weekend. He currently faces multiple charges, including misconduct, excessive drinking on the job and misuse of FBI resources. One report said he used a bureau plane to attend the Milan Winter Olympics, a trip that was said to have cost taxpayers up to $75,000.Further dispute was that it was claimed he had attendance issues and was “known to drink to the point of being visibly drunk” while on duty. Patel has denied the accusations and filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic, calling its reporting a “hit piece” filled with “lies.”
