WATCH: Kash Patel Takes The Gloves Off, Calls Adam Schiff ‘Biggest Fraud’ In The Senate

FBI Director Kash Patel lit up Capitol Hill on Tuesday, going toe-to-toe with Democrats in a marathon Senate Judiciary Committee hearing that quickly devolved into a political brawl. The most explosive exchange came when Patel turned his fire on Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA), blasting him as “the biggest fraud to ever sit in the United States Senate” and a “disgrace to this institution.”

The hearing stretched more than four hours, covering issues ranging from the FBI’s handling of the Charlie Kirk assassination case, to the Jeffrey Epstein files, to accusations that Patel has purged FBI leadership for political reasons. But it was Patel’s blistering confrontation with Schiff that stole the show. The fireworks began when Schiff accused Patel of misleading the public and mismanaging politically sensitive cases. Patel, visibly agitated, shot back.

“The American people believe the truth,” Patel declared. “What I am doing is protecting this country, providing historic reforms, and combating the weaponization of intelligence by the likes of you. We have countlessly proven you to be a liar in Russiagate, in January 6th—you are the biggest fraud to ever sit in the United States Senate, you’re a disgrace to this institution, and an utter coward.”

He didn’t stop there. Patel accused Schiff of using his perch on the committee to grandstand and fundraise. “I’m not surprised that you continue to lie from your perch and put on a show so you can go raise money for your charade. You are a political buffoon at best,” Patel said, before pivoting to his defense of the Bureau’s work.

WATCH:

The exchange came against the backdrop of Patel’s ongoing defense of how the FBI handled the murder investigation of Charlie Kirk. Patel admitted he directed authorities to release photos and videos of suspect Tyler Robinson—against the advice of local law enforcement—saying transparency outweighed caution.

Another flashpoint came over the FBI’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein documents. Schiff and other Democrats pressed Patel on why certain files remain sealed and whether the Bureau is protecting high-profile figures.

A memo obtained by Axios in July revealed that the DOJ and FBI found no “credible evidence” suggesting Jeffrey Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals. The agencies also said there was no basis for launching an investigation into “uncharged third parties.” The memo further stated that Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while in federal custody at a Manhattan prison. Patel explained that while the administration is disclosing as much information as possible, they are still constrained by court orders.

Patel criticized how the Obama-era Justice Department handled Epstein’s case, calling it an “original sin” of narrow warrants and sweetheart deals. By contrast, Patel praised President Trump’s DOJ for “courageously” bringing new charges against Epstein before his death in 2019.

Patel also confirmed the FBI is combing through Discord chat groups tied to Robinson, the Kirk suspect, vowing that everyone associated will be investigated. While some senators criticized his use of social media for rapid public updates, Patel said he would never apologize for speaking directly to the American people.