UPDATE: FBI Director Kash Patel was dining at the exclusive Rao’s Italian Restaurant in East Harlem on the night of July 19, 2023, just as the manhunt for Charlie Kirk’s assassin intensified. Reports from NBC News reveal that Patel’s evening out coincided with a chaotic situation, as he posted misleading tweets regarding the investigation that have drawn sharp criticism.
At 6:21 p.m., Patel tweeted that a suspect was in custody, only to retract the statement hours later, revealing that the individual had been released after questioning. This miscommunication sparked confusion as local officials clarified that two people were indeed questioned but released following the tragic shooting at Utah Valley University.
The timing of Patel’s tweets coincided with his dining experience at Rao’s, one of New York City’s toughest reservations to secure. The restaurant, renowned for its tight control over tables and celebrity clientele, opened for dinner at 7 p.m., suggesting that Patel was being served while posting updates on a situation of national concern.
Critics, including retired FBI agent Dan Brunner, expressed outrage over Patel’s handling of the investigation. “What he did yesterday has never been done by any FBI director before him,” Brunner told Reuters. He emphasized the need for investigators to sift through intelligence before making public declarations. An anonymous White House source echoed these sentiments, labeling Patel’s announcement as unprofessional. However, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Patel, calling the backlash “despicable” and asserting that he has the full support of the administration.
The actual suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was taken into custody late Thursday night after being turned in by a family member, marking a significant breakthrough in the investigation. The handling of Kirk’s murder probe has raised questions about Patel’s leadership during a time of crisis, with current and former FBI staffers reporting low morale within the bureau. They contend that Patel is struggling under pressure, especially in the face of ongoing legal actions against him by three former senior FBI officials for alleged illegal dismissal on political grounds.
Rao’s, famous for its lemon chicken and pasta dishes, has a storied history dating back to 1896, attracting stars like Frank Sinatra and Robert De Niro. The restaurant has long been a favored haunt for notorious figures, including mobsters like John Gotti.
As this situation develops, all eyes will remain on the FBI’s next steps and how Patel’s controversial leadership will impact ongoing investigations. The public is left questioning the integrity of information coming from the bureau during a critical moment in national security.
The FBI has yet to respond to requests for comments regarding Patel’s actions and the investigation’s trajectory. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
