FBI Director Kash Patel’s alleged personal use of government aircraft is now even starting to enrage some prominent Republican influencers.
Read more White House silence on UFC fighter’s Michelle Obama slur raises red flags for ex-aide
In particular, it has fueled new conspiracy theories from far-right personality Candace Owens, who is now suggesting, without any basis, the FBI might have had something to do with the murder of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk.
“Via FOIA, we formally requested Kash Patel’s travel itinerary for the 3 days leading up to Charlie Kirk’s assassination and we just heard back and were told the burden of the request is too great,” posted Owens on X. “How is this even remotely legal?”
The FBI denies this set of events, and an official agency account accused Owens of lying in a follow-up post.
Read more Trump appointee pitched Greenland as a way to refill Red Lobster’s shrimp
“Dear @RealCandaceO Please show us on the document sent to you ACKNOWLEDGING your FOIA request where we said: ‘The burden of the request is too great,'” said the FBI’s Rapid Response account, posting the letter, which asked Owens for more information to be able to process the request but did not say the exact thing she claimed. “Your ‘show’ just like the fake news media will be called out when you LIE! We hope this helps.”
All of this comes after months of controversy and reporting on Patel’s questionable use of government travel, including flying to Italy to see the Olympic Games.
Patel has broadly denied inappropriate use of government resources, and went so far as to sue The Atlantic over a bombshell report earlier this year that painted a picture of him as deeply paranoid, constantly drinking, and expecting to be fired any minute.
Read more Trump swiftly fact-checked after lashing out at reported details of his Iran deal
