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FBI Director Patel gave firm testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, during increasing scrutiny of his management of the probe into the assassination of activist Kirk in Utah.

An Appearance for an Audience of One

The director's testimony on the Hill came as critics and other opponents have criticised the manner he and the FBI have handled the probe into Kirk's killing—especially an misleading social media post that a suspect had been apprehended. Officials later clarified that two people had been questioned and released.

Ahead of the session, Patel took the unusual step of twice going on a news network, justifying his handling of the case and detailing surprising information that he says the FBI has discovered.

In front of the committee, he stated that the individual in the Charlie Kirk killing was apprehended just hours after the Bureau released new images and video.

A Partisan Shouting Match

Committee members on the committee sought to paint a picture of disorder and incompetence at the FBI, citing the organization's handling of Kirk's assassination and former agents alleging they were fired for partisan motives.

But Patel showed no signs of retreating, ending his opening remarks with the words “bring it on” and speaking over opponents on the committee.

During a especially fiery exchange, Patel called one senator a “political buffoon” as the senator questioned him about Jeffrey Epstein.

Miami and St Louis Next in Crime Crackdown

Although he did not disclose detailed strategies, the director suggested the next US cities that could face a increase in federal resources or National Guard deployments to fight crime.

Answering a question by a Republican senator, Patel named a number of American cities that might be next.

“It was done in DC. We're doing it in Memphis. Next will be to Illinois, Miami, Missouri—so many other cities across the nation,” he said.

“I'm not afraid of you!” — the FBI Director in a tense exchange.

Legal experts have challenged the lawfulness of using military personnel in American urban areas, and a federal judge in the state previously determined that a similar deployment in LA was illegal.