Overview

• He faced a contentious Senate Judiciary hearing Tuesday and is scheduled to appear before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.
• Patel defended his X post that initially announced a suspect in custody before the person was cleared about 90 minutes later, saying he could have been more cautious but denying an error.
• He has claimed a central role in the pursuit of alleged shooter Tyler Robinson, while Utah’s Department of Public Safety contradicted his assertion that he acted against law enforcement advice on releasing images.
• Three former senior FBI officials have sued Patel, alleging he politicized the bureau and targeted agents viewed as insufficiently aligned with the Trump administration.
• Republicans on the panel largely backed him as Democrats pressed accusations of bias, even as parts of the MAGA movement and conservative commentators voice growing discontent with his leadership.