In a blistering hearing Rep. Jasmine Crockett demands Kash Patel’s firing accusing the FBI of crossing a dangerous line.NH
Rep. Jasmine Crockett used a tense congressional hearing to deliver a sharp rebuke of FBI Director Kash Patel, questioning his qualifications and accusing him of failing to protect the public.
“Man. Oh man. There has been so much today and I truly don’t know where to start,” Crockett began.
She continued, “I did have to make sure that I wasn’t going crazy, but when I say that you are the least qualified FBI director in the history of the FBI, that is real because you are the only one that never even served with the FBI prior to joining.”
Crockett added, “Yet we are supposed to believe that you were the greatest thing since sliced bread.” A voice, presumed to be Patel, then interjected, saying her claims were “false” She continued, “I didn’t ask you a question. Now, what I wanna go through is to talk about why you are a failure and why. Honestly, we just need to tell you. Bye-bye.”
She accused Patel of performing for political allies. “I know that you got a little upset and you put on your show for your boss ’cause it seems like you’re trying to save your job, when it came to talking to Senator Booker yesterday,” she said, referring to a verbal sparring between Patel and Senator Cory Booker this week during a meeting.
Crockett went on to list what she viewed as Patel’s failures, alleging he targeted career officials before his confirmation in order to direct illegal firings. “Mind you, these cases that you were so upset about… The cases came through his handpicked FBI director,” she said.
Her remarks align with several controversies Patel has faced since becoming FBI director. He is currently named in lawsuits from senior FBI officials who claim they were unlawfully terminated as part of a political purge. He has been criticized for dissolving the FBI’s Office of Internal Auditing, a move that watchdog groups argue undermines oversight of surveillance powers.
Patel has also been accused of prematurely announcing a suspect’s detention in the Charlie Kirk assassination case, which was later reversed, creating confusion during a high-profile manhunt. In addition, lawmakers have challenged him over selectively disclosing files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, with critics saying the partial disclosures shielded powerful figures. Patel has faced criticism for including a list of dozens of officials and journalists in his book Government Gangsters, which some have characterized as an “enemies list.”
Crockett concluded her remarks with a pointed statement about safety and accountability. “Frankly, when people sit around and say things like, ‘Oh, we’re happy because now we feel safe.’ I don’t know who feels safe in this country except for the white supremacists, because I, as a Black woman, definitely don’t feel safe,” she said.
