FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino faced a wave of online backlash Friday after giving an exclusive interview to Fox News Digital about the 2024 near assassination of President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.
According to the report, the FBI concluded that Thomas Matthew Crooks acted alone, following what officials described as an unprecedented global investigation that included interviews with thousands of domestic and foreign individuals. The hourlong briefing with the Fox News reporter, conducted Thursday at FBI headquarters, walked through every aspect of the case, according to Patel.
“Dan and I sat down with @BrookeSingman to walk through every aspect of the Butler investigation,” Patel wrote Friday on X. “We fully briefed @POTUS on the entire case, and he was satisfied with the work and the results. These are the details the prior administration never released — and in some cases never even pursued. This @FBI has redoubled its efforts to provide the American people with full, factual transparency about this tragic attack.”
But not everyone in MAGA world was buying it.
“Cool story. No one believes you,” wrote former FBI agent and right-wing podcast host Kyle Seraphin in a reply post.
Christine Taylor Knight, a Pennsylvania MAGA supporter, posted: “I’m pretty sure the FBI once concluded the same thing about JFK… And look at how that turned out.” She followed up with: “Perhaps the evidence is missing or perhaps there is a good reason for you to lie to us even though *we trust your intent* - but you are speaking to a nation that has been gaslighted ad infinitum.”
“I don't believe a word that comes out of Kash Patel's mouth anymore,” X user @Apack40969, a MAGA enthusiast, wrote. “He's a liar.” Another X user, @FrankTheTankUS, added: "Cover up! Patel must go!"
Other MAGA voices across social media accused the FBI of downplaying the investigation, and ignoring potential conspirators.
Dan and I sat down with @BrookeSingman to walk through every aspect of the Butler investigation.
We fully briefed @POTUS on the entire case, and he was satisfied with the work and the results.
These are the details the prior administration never released — and in some cases… pic.twitter.com/OPufh41FUu
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) November 21, 2025