During the investigation into the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, the FBI reportedly delayed sharing a critical photo of the suspect with Director Kash Patel for 12 hours. Independent journalist Breanna Morello highlighted the details, citing reports from The New York Times.

In a Thursday morning virtual meeting attended by approximately 200 agents, Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino strongly reprimanded personnel for what they described as procedural failures. Patel explicitly stated he would not tolerate further “Mickey Mouse operations,” according to sources familiar with the discussion.

The delay centered on agents in Salt Lake City who reportedly withheld a suspect’s photo from Patel for nearly a full day. The FBI later released images and videos of the suspect, which ultimately led to Tyler Robinson’s arrest after his father turned him in. Patel publicly acknowledged that he had shared the materials “against all law enforcement recommendations,” raising questions about internal decision-making.

The incident has sparked scrutiny over the agency’s handling of the case, with critics questioning why critical information was not promptly disseminated. The FBI has not yet provided an official explanation for the delay.