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FBI director Kash Patel has faced criticism for donning a Liverpool FC tie worth $15 during his Senate hearing.
On Tuesday, Patel gave evidence before the Senate Judiciary Committee. He opened his testimony by defending his probe into the assassination of conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk last week, following backlash over his conduct and social media remarks regarding the incident.
Patel also fielded questions concerning the Jeffrey Epstein case and accusations of dismissing FBI agents due to their opposition to President Donald Trump. However, sharp-eyed observers online were astonished by his sartorial selection for such a significant occasion. Patel was spotted sporting a tie displaying his allegiance to Liverpool FC. The accessory retails for merely $15, which entertained those tuning in.
"Kash Patel wearing a Liverpool FC tie to his senate hearing....very professional," commented one user.
Another challenged his decision more bluntly, writing: "For his first-ever congressional hearing as the FBI Director, Kash Patel chose to wear a Liverpool FC tie. Is that patriotic for supposedly the top cop of America?"
"Umm... why is Kash Patel wearing a @LFC tie at his Senate oversight hearing?!?!?? They don't even play today," one user posted on X as bewilderment over Patel's selection rapidly circulated. It was genuinely an odd decision by the 45-year-old, and even Liverpool supporters were displeased, with one quipping it made him "want to rip my eyes out."
Rival fans were also eager to mock the striking choice to don the tie, posting: "To everyone that thought something about @FBIDirectorKash Patel is off or wrong, we now have a definitive answer: he's a Liverpool (@LFC) fan. @ChelseaFC forever #GoBlues."
Patel has displayed his affection for the reigning Premier League champions previously. He sported the identical Liverpool tie earlier this year, and also in December prior to being sworn into his current position at the FBI.
Throughout his testimony, Patel maintained that the Discord chat where the Kirk shooting suspect purportedly confessed had been "leaked."
He suggested any information could be utilised "in prosecution" before stating: "We're also going to be investigating anyone and everyone involved in that Discord chat."
Patel also dismissed the suggestion that he's ever instructed FBI staff to be dismissed because they worked on inquiries into Trump and the Jan. 6, 2021, disturbance at the U.S. Capitol.
He stated: "The only way, generally speaking, an individual is terminated at the FBI is if they have violated their oath of office, violated the law, or failed to uphold the standards that we need them to have at the FBI."
Patel has experienced a hectic period recently with the Kirk shooting.
Perhaps he will find time to watch his cherished Liverpool in Champions League action against Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday, Sept. 17.
English (US) ·