Kash Patel seen ‘swiping his phone’ as agents rush guests D.C. shooting over Trump concerns: ‘No sense of urgency’ – The

FBI Director Kash Patel is facing backlash after he was filmed scrolling through his phone as security forces rushed guests to safety during a shooting near a high-profile dinner in Washington attended by US President Donald Trump.The incident occurred on Saturday evening outside the Washington Hilton Hotel, where a White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was being held. As Secret Service agents moved to secure the area and escort attendees to safety, Patel was seen in a clip that went viral on social media appearing relaxed, first talking on his phone and then scrolling through it.

The footage sparked a wave of violent reactions online, with critics questioning his behavior in a moment of crisis.

Some viewers claimed that the FBI chief showed “no sense of urgency.”“FBI Director Kash Patel is seen on his phone, loitering outside the venue like a random WHCD attendee trying to figure out how to get an Uber after the incident,” said left-wing media outlet MeidasTouch, which shared the video.

Another user responded: “This idiot clearly has no idea what he’s doing, no wonder Trump is about to fire him.”The criticism came as details emerged about the shooting itself.

Authorities say the suspect, 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen, who was a guest at the hotel, approached a security checkpoint armed with a rifle, handgun and knives. He exchanged gunfire with the officers before he was subdued.Witnesses described chaotic scenes. CNN’s Wolf Blitzer said he saw the suspect fire several shots using a “very dangerous” weapon, while BBC’s Gary O’Donoghue noted that security at the scene “was not particularly tight.”Despite the breach, security forces prevented the attacker from entering the main hall where the president and other prominent figures were present.Trump praised the Secret Service’s response, saying agents acted “courageously” and quickly moved him and his deputy, J.D. Vance, to safety. “I can’t imagine there is any profession more dangerous,” he told reporters hours later.However, Patel took a different tone later that evening, publicly praising Trump during his remarks after his return to the White House.“You, Mr. President, inspire them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 minutes,” Patel said.His statements came amid increasing speculation about his future in office. Politico reported this week that Patel could be the next senior official to leave the administration, with one source saying: “It’s only a matter of time.”The scrutiny surrounding Patel extends beyond the weekend incident. He is currently facing several allegations, including allegations of misconduct, excessive alcohol consumption during work hours and misuse of FBI resources.

One report claimed he used an office plane to attend the Winter Olympics in Milan, a trip that reportedly cost taxpayers up to $75,000.Further controversy followed allegations that he had attendance problems and was “known to drink to the point of apparent intoxication” while on duty. Patel has denied the allegations and filed a $250 million defamation suit against The Atlantic, calling its reporting a “hit piece” filled with “lies.”