FBI Director Kash Patel was in Milan, Italy, on Sunday, Feb. 22, to witness the USA men’s hockey team defeat Canada in overtime for the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Patel also joined the team in the locker room to celebrate their victory.
A Controversial Figure Celebrates with Team USA
Patel posted photos to his X account featuring himself with members of the team, including overtime goal scorer Jack Hughes and the Tkachuk brothers, all displaying their gold medals. He also posed with USA coach Mike Sullivan. In a post accompanying the photos, Patel wrote, “Unity, Sacrifice, Attitude- what it takes to be the best in the world. These men live and breathe it. Now Team USA are gold medal champions, legends standing on the shoulders of giants. Thank you for representing the greatest country on earth, in the greatest game ever created.”
Videos circulating on social media showed Patel drinking with the team and being presented with a gold medal by players. Patel addressed what he called “concerned media” in a post on X, stating, “yes, I love America and was extremely humbled when my friends, the newly minted Gold Medal winners on Team USA, invited me into the locker room to celebrate this historic moment with the boys- Greatest country on earth and greatest sport on earth.”
Patel’s appearance at the Olympics came shortly after he announced the FBI was assisting in the investigation of a fatal shooting at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. During the third period of the hockey game, Patel’s official X account posted a statement regarding the shooting, stating the FBI was dedicating “all necessary resources” to the investigation.
Patel has faced prior scrutiny regarding his handling of sensitive cases, including criticism for his actions and public statements surrounding the death of Charlie Kirk and for reported use of government jets for personal travel.
According to Ben Williamson, assistant director for public affairs at the FBI, reports suggesting Patel’s trip to Italy was solely for leisure are inaccurate. Williamson stated on X that the trip included a meeting with Italian law enforcement and security officials, as well as a briefing at the U.S. Consulate regarding Olympic security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Kash Patel doing at the Winter Olympics?
FBI Director Kash Patel was in Milan to watch the USA men’s hockey team win the gold medal and celebrated with the team in the locker room afterward.
What did Kash Patel say about being at the Olympics?
Patel stated on X that he “loved America” and was “humbled” to be invited into the locker room by the team to celebrate their win.
Was Patel’s trip to Italy solely for the Olympics?
According to Ben Williamson, assistant director for public affairs at the FBI, Patel’s trip included a meeting with Italian law enforcement and security officials, as well as a U.S. Consulate briefing on Olympic security.
Given the unusual intersection of high-profile events and ongoing investigations, how might public perception of the FBI Director’s role be affected by these simultaneous engagements?
