Kash Patel seen ‘scrolling his phone’ as agents escorted guests out of DC over fear of Trump-linked shooting: ‘No sense of urgency’
Kash Patel is checking his phone
FBI Director Kash Patel Security forces evacuated guests amid fears of gunfire near a high-profile Washington dinner attended by US President Donald Trump, who is facing criticism after he was filmed scrolling on his phone.The incident occurred Saturday night outside the Washington Hilton, where the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was being held. As Secret Service agents moved in to secure the area and evacuate attendees, Patel was seen relaxed in a clip going viral on social media, first talking on his phone and then scrolling through it.
The footage sparked a wave of backlash online, with critics questioning his conduct at the moment of crisis. Some viewers claimed that the FBI chief showed “no sense of urgency”.“FBI Director Kash Patel was seen on his phone after the event, wandering around outside the venue looking like a random WHCD attendee trying to figure out how to get an Uber,” said leftist media outlet MeidasTouch, which shared the video clip.Another user replied, “It’s clear this idiot has no idea what he’s doing, no wonder Trump is going to fire him.”There was criticism after details about the shooting emerged. Authorities say the suspect, 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen, who was a guest at the hotel, approached a security checkpoint armed with a shotgun, handgun and a knife. He exchanged fire with officers before being subdued.Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes. CNN’s Wolf Blitzer said he saw the suspect fire several shots using a “very serious” weapon, while BBC correspondent Gary O’Donoghue said security at the venue was “not particularly heavy”.Despite the breach, security personnel prevented the attacker from entering the main ballroom where the President and other senior figures were present.Trump praised the Secret Service’s response, saying that agents acted “bravely” and that he and Vice President J.D. Vance were quickly evacuated to safety. “I can’t imagine there is any profession that is more dangerous,” he told reporters hours later.However, Patel struck a different tone later that evening, publicly praising Trump during remarks after returning to the White House.“Mr. President, you motivate them 24/7, 365,” Patel said.His comments come amid growing speculation about his future in office. Politico’s report this week suggested Patel could be the next senior official to leave the administration, with a source saying, “It’s only a matter of time.”The investigation surrounding Patel extends beyond the weekend incident. He is currently facing multiple charges, including claims of misconduct, excessive alcohol consumption during work hours, and misuse of FBI resources. One report alleged that he used a Bureau plane to attend the Milan Winter Olympics, a trip that cost taxpayers up to $75,000.Controversy escalated following claims that he had attendance problems while on duty and was “apparently known to drink alcohol to the point of intoxication”. Patel has denied the allegations and has filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic, calling its reporting a “hit piece” full of “lies.”