Hours after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, FBI Director Kash Patel released a false assurance online that "the subject" in the killing was in custody.

Utah officials later acknowledged this was untrue; the two detained men were incorrectly identified, and the actual shooter was not yet found.

Critics say his initial misstep spotlighted the uncertainty surrounding Mr Patel's leadership of the bureau when its credibility — and his own — are under extraordinary pressure.

Mr Patel is approaching congressional oversight hearings next week.

He will face questions on his response to Mr Kirk's assassination, as well as broader doubts about his leadership.

Democrats are poised to press Mr Patel on the FBI's realignment of resources to prioritise the fight against ille

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