FBI director joins US men’s hockey team in locker room celebration of Olympic gold medal

FBI Director Celebrates with Olympic Hockey Team Amid Security Incident at Mar-a-Lago

FBI Director Kash Patel joined the American men’s hockey team in their locker room celebration Sunday after they secured a gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Milan, even as a security incident unfolded at former President Donald Trump’s Florida residence.

Videos circulating on social media showed an enthusiastic Patel drinking beer and spraying it around the locker room while celebrating with the victorious team. Players draped a gold medal around his neck as he jumped and celebrated alongside them in what appeared to be jubilant post-game festivities.

The celebration occurred during a critical security situation back in the United States. While Patel was in Milan, the U.S. Secret Service shot and killed an armed man who had driven onto the grounds of Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s resort in Florida. Hours later, around the time the Olympic hockey game against Canada was heading into overtime, Patel acknowledged the situation by posting on X (formerly Twitter) that the FBI was “dedicating all necessary resources in the investigation.”

The timing of Patel’s celebratory behavior prompted criticism from some quarters. Xochitl Hinojosa, who previously served as spokeswoman for former Attorney General Merrick Garland, posted on X: “There was a threat at the president’s residence at MAL, Americans in Mexico are facing major threats by cartel members, Nancy Guthrie is still missing, and our FBI Director thinks he’s a frat bro?!”

In response to the mounting criticism, Patel defended his participation in the celebration, stating he 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.”

Patel had previously justified his official trip to Italy as having legitimate law enforcement purposes. According to his social media posts earlier in the week, he met with Italian law enforcement officials and Americans involved in providing security for the Olympic Games. He also shared images of his visit to the Milan Joint Operations Center, which he described as being responsible for protecting American athletes and visitors at the Winter Games. Additionally, Patel documented a meeting with the U.S. ambassador to Italy as part of his official duties.

The juxtaposition of Patel’s celebratory activities against the backdrop of a serious security incident raises questions about leadership priorities during crisis situations. The Mar-a-Lago security breach represents a significant concern given Trump’s status as a former president who continues to maintain a high profile in American politics.

Law enforcement officials stateside were left to manage the immediate aftermath of the armed intruder situation while the FBI’s top leadership was abroad. Though Patel acknowledged the incident via social media, his visible participation in Olympic celebrations has sparked debate about the appropriate conduct for high-ranking security officials during domestic emergencies.

The incident highlights the complex balance national security leaders must maintain between international diplomatic engagements and remaining responsive to domestic security threats. While international cooperation on security matters is a standard part of the FBI Director’s responsibilities, the timing and nature of Patel’s celebratory activities have become a focal point for critics questioning leadership priorities during security events.

Neither the FBI nor the White House has issued further statements regarding Patel’s activities in Milan or the coordination of the response to the Mar-a-Lago security incident.