‘Performed terribly’: Conservative activist Christopher Rufo wants Kash Patel fired over Charlie Kirk case

WASHINGTON, DC: Christopher Rufo, conservative activist and a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, urged Republicans to reconsider Kash Patel’s role as FBI director after his handling of the Charlie Kirk assassination case.

Patel has faced growing criticism from conservatives despite the arrest of the suspected shooter within two days.

Christopher Rufo questions FBI leadership under Kash Patel

Rufo argued that Patel lacked the experience needed to confront violent threats and said Republicans should take a hard look at whether he is fit to lead the bureau.

“I’m grateful that Utah authorities have captured the suspect in the Charlie Kirk assassination, and think it is time for Republicans to assess whether Kash Patel is the right man to run the FBI," he wrote.

"He performed terribly in the last few days, and it’s not clear whether he has the operational expertise to investigate, infiltrate, and disrupt the violent movements—of whatever ideology—that threaten the peace in the United States,” wrote Rufo on X.

He warned that the country faces two possible outcomes in the wake of the assassination.

“First, we enter a spiral of violence, which would be a catastrophe for the country. Second, federal law enforcement makes a credible plan to restore the civil order, initiates a campaign to disrupt domestic terror networks in all fifty states, and sets them in motion with the goal of preventing further bloodshed, all of which can and must be done in a principled, legal, nonpartisan manner,” added Rufo.

Conservative activist calls Kash Patel’s FBI not 'up to this task'

In his remarks, Rufo pressed the need to question Patel’s readiness to take on such challenges.

“We would be wise to take a moment and ask whether Kash Patel has what it takes to get this done. I’ve been on the phone the last few days with many conservative leaders, all of whom wholeheartedly support the Trump Administration and none of whom are confident that the current structure of the FBI is up to this task,” he wrote.

Rufo’s remarks added to the debate already circulating in conservative circles about the FBI’s handling of the case and the agency’s overall direction.

Steve Bannon joins criticism of Kash Patel over press conference

Rufo was not the only conservative figure to raise concerns. Steve Bannon also took aim at Patel after he spoke during a press briefing about the suspect’s arrest.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, we watched the nine minute press conference yesterday and the pictures that came up and went all over the internet, and it appears the kid had said something to the family, the family had the goods to confront him and the family turned him in. I’m not seeing the great law enforcement work and I’m not, you know, saying there’s not great law enforcement," Banon said.

He added, "They all came together, I got that, but this was not through law enforcement work."

“What I wanna see is some law enforcement people step up to the microphone, give some details and take some questions from the media. I don’t know why Kash flew out there, you know, thousands of miles to give us, hey, we’re working partnerships and our great partnership in Utah,” he said.

Internet reacts to Christopher Rufo and Steve Bannon criticism of Kash Patel

The online reaction highlighted deep divisions over Patel’s role.

“He caught the assailant within 36 hours, but he’s doing a bad job? I’m not following your train of thought here,” wrote one user on X.

Another person said, “This is ridiculous. Yeah he jumped the gun with that tweet saying they caught the guy but they now have the actual shooter in custody. In less than 48 hours.”

Others expressed support for Patel, with one posting, “We aren't firing Kash Patel. Stop. The FBI arrested this killer within 48 hours. This was an excellent job. I have a 100% faith in Kash Patel.”

Some questioned who deserved credit, noting, “The UTAH authorities didn't capture him. His family and roommate turned him in.”

Another added, “He loves and says nice things about Trump. That’s the only thing that matters.”

“I agree. The suspects father turned him in after a family member told his dad that he confessed. The back slapping is not warranted,” one more reaction read.

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