Megyn Kelly criticized FBI Director Kash Patel after the bureau detained and then released a misidentified "person of interest" in the Brown University shooting. Rhode Island AG Peter Neronha said evidence later "points in a different direction," and Patel was reportedly aware of the reversal. Kelly and other conservatives called the episode a serious misstep—mocking Patel as "Keystone Kash"—while President Trump continued to defend his appointee.
Megyn Kelly Slams 'Keystone Kash' Kash Patel After Misidentified Brown University Suspect
Megyn Kelly sharply criticized her friend, FBI Director Kash Patel, after the bureau detained—and then released—a misidentified "person of interest" in the fatal Brown University campus shooting.
The shooting in Providence, Rhode Island, left two students dead and nine others wounded. Patel publicly celebrated the detention on X, prompting a wave of attention, but Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha later announced the individual had been released because evidence "now points in a different direction." Neronha said Patel was "fully aware" of the reversal.
"I really actually think we can get past 'person of interest' turned out not to be the person," Kelly said on her podcast. "But it has to require utter, blatant transparency and honesty. I'm not gonna lie, it's not good."
Kelly added that it was troubling Patel had tweeted that the FBI had a person in custody and appeared to celebrate before the facts were clear. "Keystone Cops comes to mind," she said, referencing a nickname—"Keystone Kash"—that critics have used to mock Patel's handling of several high-profile investigations.
In an X post, Patel wrote: "This FBI will continue an all out 24/7 campaign until justice is fully served," thanking agents for their work. Hours later, officials clarified the arrest was not related to the shooting, leaving the suspect at large and raising questions about whether the misstep cost time in finding the real attacker.
Patel has faced prior criticism over the handling of other matters, including delays tied to files related to Jeffrey Epstein and scrutiny around the search for the alleged killer of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Several conservative voices publicly expressed disappointment after the Brown incident.
President Donald Trump, however, reiterated his support for Patel. Asked about the bureau's difficulty identifying the shooter, Trump said the issue can be complicated and suggested questions about campus security be directed at the university: "They had their own guards, they had their own police, they had their own everything," he said.
The FBI did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Kelly's remarks or on the handling of the Brown investigation. Authorities say the investigation remains active.
