F.B.I. Director Celebrates Olympic Hockey Victory on Day of Mar-a-Lago Shooting
NYT Homepage
by Alan Feuer, Glenn Thrush, Motoko Rich and Tariq PanjaFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The F.B.I. director, Kash Patel, found himself at the center of a controversy during the 2026 Olympic Games as he celebrated the U.S. hockey team's victory in Milan while the bureau faced significant challenges back home. Despite being informed about a shooting at Mar-a-Lago, President Trump's Florida estate, Patel chose to remain in Italy and join the celebrations with the athletes. This decision raised questions about his priorities and whether his personal interests were overshadowing his professional responsibilities.
Patel’s enthusiasm for hockey was evident as he attended the final match between the U.S. and Canada, where Team USA secured a thrilling 2-1 overtime win. Videos from the event showed him interacting closely with the players, including Dylan Larkin, the team's center. In one clip, Patel can be seen giving a shaka sign in the locker room while wearing a white jersey, showing his excitement over the victory. Another video captured him drinking a beer and raising it in celebration as players cheered around him. His actions were playful but drew attention given the timing of the event and the ongoing crises at home.
Patel’s trip to Italy occurred during a period of heightened tension for both the F.B.I. and himself. The bureau was grappling with internal challenges, including the Mar-a-Lago shooting, which happened just as he was celebrating the hockey win. This juxtaposition highlighted Patel’s tendency to travel extensively despite
Verticals
newsgeneral
Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/22/2026