WASHINGTON, D.C. (Erie News Now) — Less than a week after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, FBI Director Kash Patel was on Capitol Hill Tuesday facing tough questions from lawmakers.

Senators grilled Patel on subjects including the Epstein files, drug cartels, immigration, mass firings at the bureau and, of course, the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Despite some early agreement on ending political violence and cooling down rhetoric, things heated up quickly. 

“You don’t tell me my time is over. The people of New Jersey tell me what my time is,” Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), shouted at Patel during a heated exchange. “I am not afraid of you.” 

Tuesday’s FBI oversight hearing with Director Kash Patel turned personal quickly, especially after questions from Judiciary Democrats about the Epstein files. 

“We have countlessly proven you to be a liar in Russiagate, in January 6, you are the biggest fraud to ever sit in the United States Senate. You are a disgrace to this institution and an utter coward,” Patel shouted back at Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA), who raised questions about the Epstein files and the prison transfer for Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell. 

Democrats targeted Patel on his handling of the FBI, accusing him of political bias in firings. Patel responded by highlighting progress made by the bureau and its efforts to reduce crime nationwide. 

“Twenty-three thousand arrests, 6,000 weapons seized, 1,600 gang and criminal enterprise organizations, 4,700 children found and rescued, more than enough fentanyl seized to kill a third of America. The men and women of the FBI are now on an apolitical mission,” Patel said. 

Republicans praised the efforts and asked the director about as many as 20 additional individuals who are part of an online chat forum allegedly frequented by Kirk’s suspected killer. 

“The Discord thread had as many as 20 additional users. It sounds like you're trying to run down all of that to see if that's accurate,” said Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO). 

“It’s a lot more than that. And we’re running them all down,” Patel replied. "Every single one.” 

Patel was also praised by Republicans for tracking down Kirk's suspected assassin in less than two days. However, he faced backlash from Democrats over prematurely announcing a suspect was in custody. 

“At critical stages of an investigation — shut up and let the professionals do their job,” said Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL).

Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing Kirk, has been charged with seven offenses, including aggravated murder. The Utah County district attorney announced Tuesday that prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. 

During a brief, virtual court appearance Tuesday afternoon, Robinson slowly nodded as a judge read him the charges.