Kash Patel fires back as critics question his locker room celebration after Team USA’s gold win

MILAN, ITALY: FBI Director Kash Patel has hit back at critics following a viral video showing him celebrating with US men’s hockey team’s gold-medal victory over Canada on Sunday, February 22. 

The FBI Director was seen in the locker room after the overtime win, celebrating alongside players as the moment quickly spread across social media. The celebration unfolded amid reports of a fatal shooting involving an armed individual at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence and recent controversy over Patel’s travel to Italy.

Kash Patel defends locker room celebration

Patel addressed media criticism directly, writing, “For the very concerned media - yes, I love America and was extremely humbled when my friends, the newly minted Gold Medal winners on Team USA, invited me into the locker room to celebrate this historic moment with the boys- Greatest country on earth and greatest sport on earth.”

In a video posted to social media, Patel was shown drinking what appeared to be alcohol with the team before a player placed a gold medal around his neck. He was seen jumping up and down while celebrating with the players.

Patel also shared photos from the celebration on his X account. One image featured a group of players, including overtime hero Jack Hughes and the Tkachuk brothers, wearing their medals.

Another photo showed players celebrating in the background as Patel posed with USA coach Mike Sullivan. “Unity, Sacrifice, Attitude- what it takes to be the best in the world,” Patel wrote in a separate post after the victory, continuing to praise the team.

He continued, “These men live and breathe it. Now Team USA are gold medal champions, legends standing on the shoulders of giants. Thank you for representing the greatest country on earth, in the greatest game ever created.”

Security Incident at Mar-a-Lago and travel controversy

The celebration came shortly after Patel announced that the FBI was assisting in the investigation of a fatal shooting involving an armed individual who was unlawfully entering the perimeter of Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach. 

During the third period of the hockey game, Patel’s official government account on X posted, “FBI is dedicating all necessary resources in the investigation of this morning’s incident at President Trump’s Mar-A-Lago - where an armed individual was shot and killed after unlawfully entering the perimeter."

It further said, "We will continue working closely with (the Secret Service) as well our state and federal partners and will provide updates as we are able."

The locker room appearance also followed reports questioning Patel’s travel. His spokesperson, Ben Williamson, criticized what he described as false reporting about Patel flying to Italy on taxpayer money to attend the Olympics.

“Your rag outlet wrote that [Patel] went to hang out at the Olympics on the taxpayer dime – even when provided information that your theory was false. When you’re ready to correct that let me know. Won’t hold my breath,” Williamson wrote, slamming the MS Now report.

Estimates indicated Patel’s trip would have cost taxpayers about $75,000 for the flight. However, the FBI spokesperson defended the director, noting that Patel is an avid hockey fan and was in Italy for meetings with ambassadors, Italian law enforcement, and US agents at the event.

Williamson also added that the FBI had a major role in Olympics security. The latest incident comes after Patel previously faced criticism over his handling of sensitive cases, including the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.