FBI Director Kash Patel has halted an investigation by a top intelligence official who was examining whether a foreign power played a role in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Joe Kent, who leads the National Counterterrorism Center, had been reviewing FBI files to determine if Kirk’s alleged killer received help from abroad.
The investigation reportedly alarmed Patel, who felt Kent was overstepping his authority by interfering with an active FBI case, according to the New York Times.
Kirk was fatally shot in the throat by a high-powered sniper rifle on Sept. 10 while addressing college students at Utah Valley University.
Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with the murder and could face the death penalty if convicted.
Those who support Kent’s actions argue he was simply doing his job by pursuing all possible leads to ensure no foreign entities were involved in the prominent conservative’s death.
The situation escalated when Patel discovered Kent had accessed FBI case materials related to the Kirk killing, however.
A high-level White House meeting was convened to address the controversy.
The gathering included Patel, Kent, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Vice President JD Vance, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and senior Department of Justice officials.
During the meeting, Kent told administration officials that a low-ranking FBI employee had granted him access to the files.
The atmosphere was so tense that little was accomplished during the discussion, according to the Times.
Trump administration officials expressed concern that Kent’s investigation into potential foreign interference could inadvertently help Robinson’s defense attorneys.
Lawyers could use such an investigation to suggest multiple suspects were involved in Kirk’s murder, potentially complicating the prosecution.
The FBI and Justice Department have traditionally maintained strict controls over evidence in ongoing criminal investigations and prosecutions.
This safeguarding of information is designed to protect the integrity of cases and ensure fair trials.
Under Kent’s direction, the Counterterrorism Center had gathered intelligence from other agencies regarding possible foreign connections to Robinson.
The investigation also examined potential foreign funding sources linked to individuals associated with left-wing groups, including Antifa.
Jurisdictional tensions between Gabbard’s office and the FBI have existed for some time.
It remains unclear whether the FBI or the Counterterrorism Center is continuing to investigate potential foreign assistance in Kirk’s murder.
In a joint statement to the Times, Patel and Gabbard said: “The FBI and intelligence community under the direction of President Trump will leave no stone unturned in the investigation of the assassination of our friend, Charlie Kirk.”
Kent received Senate confirmation to lead the Counterterrorism Center in July.
Since taking the position, he has concentrated his efforts on disrupting narco-terrorist cells and drug cartels operating along the southern border.
Prior to joining the Trump administration, Kent made two unsuccessful bids for Congress in Washington state in 2022 and 2024.
During his campaigns, he positioned himself as a MAGA loyalist committed to the America First agenda.
The former CIA employee and Green Beret veteran has built a reputation for advocating non-interventionist foreign policy positions.
His military and intelligence background made him an attractive candidate for the Counterterrorism Center leadership role.
